To prevent evil is the great end of government, the end for which vigilance and severity are properly employed.
Samuel JohnsonTo be prejudiced is always to be weak; yet there are prejudices so near to laudable that they have been often praised and are always pardoned.
Samuel JohnsonNo man is obliged to do as much as he can do. A man is to have part of his life to himself.
Samuel JohnsonAn epithet or metaphor drawn from nature ennobles art; an epithet or metaphor drawn from art degrades nature.
Samuel JohnsonThere is such a difference between the pursuits of men in great cities that one part of the inhabitants lives to little other purpose than to wonder at the rest. Some have hopes and fears, wishes and aversions, which never enter into the thoughts of others, and inquiry is laboriously exerted to gain that which those who possess it are ready to throw away.
Samuel JohnsonSpring is the season of gaiety, and winter of terror; in spring the heart of tranquility dances to the melody of the groves, and the eye of benevolence sparkles at the sight of happiness and plenty: in winter, compassion melts at universal calamity, and the tear of softness starts at the wailing of hunger and the cries of the creation in distress
Samuel Johnson