A contempt of the monuments and the wisdom of the past, may be justly reckoned one of the reigning follies of these days, to which pride and idleness have equally contributed.
Samuel JohnsonA man ought to read just as inclination leads him, for what he reads as a task will do him little good.
Samuel JohnsonExert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire.
Samuel JohnsonTo mean understandings, it is sufficient honour to be numbered amongst the lowest labourers of learning; but different abilities must find different tasks. To hew stone, would have been unworthy of Palladio; and to have rambled in search of shells and flowers, had but ill suited with the capacity of Newton.
Samuel Johnson