While an author is yet living, we estimate his powers by his worst performance; and when he is dead, we rate him by his best.
Samuel JohnsonEvery cold empirick, when his heart is expanded by a successful experiment, swells into a theorist.
Samuel JohnsonOur senses, our appetite, and our passions are our lawful and faithful guides in things that relate solely to this life.
Samuel JohnsonIt is advantageous to an author that his book should be attacked as well as praised. Fame is a shuttlecock. If it be struck at one end of the room, it will soon fall to the ground. To keep it up, it must be struck at both ends.
Samuel JohnsonEvery one should consider himself as intrusted not only with his own conduct, but with that of others; and as accountable, not only for the duties which he neglects, or the crimes that he commits, but for that negligence and irregularity which he may encourage or inculcate. Every man, in whatever station, has, or endeavours to have his followers, admirers, and imitators, and has therefore the influence of his example to watch with care.
Samuel Johnson