In the condition of men, it frequently happens that grief and anxiety lie hid under the golden robes of prosperity; and the gloom of calamity is cheered by secret radiations of hope and comfort; as in the works of nature, the bog is sometimes covered with flowers, and the mine concealed in the barren crags.
Samuel JohnsonContempt is a kind of gangrene which, if it seizes one part of a character, corrupts all the rest by degrees.
Samuel JohnsonHe that teaches us anything which we knew not before is undoubtedly to be reverenced as a master.
Samuel JohnsonIf the abuse be enormous, nature will rise up, and claiming her original rights, overturn a corrupt political system.
Samuel JohnsonThere is no being so poor and so contemptible, who does not think there is somebody still poorer, and still more contemptible.
Samuel JohnsonWe owe to memory not only the increase of our knowledge, and our progress in rational inquiries, but many other intellectual pleasures
Samuel JohnsonNo man, however enslaved to his appetites, or hurried by his passions, can, while he preserves his intellects unimpaired, please himself with promoting the corruption of others. He whose merit has enlarged his influence would surely wish to exert it for the benefit of mankind. Yet such will be the effect of his reputation, while he suffers himself to indulge in any favourite fault, that they who have no hope to reach his excellence will catch at his failings, and his virtues will be cited to justify the copiers of his vices.
Samuel Johnson