That kind of life is most happy which affords us most opportunities of gaining our own esteem.
Samuel JohnsonHis death eclipsed the gayety of nations, and impoverished the public stock of harmless pleasure.
Samuel JohnsonThe botanist looks upon the astronomer as a being unworthy of his regard; and he that is glowing great and happy by electrifying a bottle wonders how the world can be engaged by trifling prattle about war and peace.
Samuel JohnsonAt length weariness succeeds to labor, and the mind lies at ease in the contemplation of her own attainments without any desire of new conquests or excursions. This is the age of recollection and narrative; the opinions are settled, and the avenues of apprehension shut against any new intelligence; the days that are to follow must pass in the inculcation of precepts already collected, and assertion of tenets already received; nothing is henceforward so odious as opposition, so insolent as doubt, or so dangerous as novelty.
Samuel Johnson