Disappointment, when it involves neither shame nor loss, is as good as success; for it supplies as many images to the mind, and as many topics to the tongue.
Samuel JohnsonPeople may be taken in once, who imagine that an author is greater in private life than other men.
Samuel JohnsonAs the greatest liar tells more truths than falsehoods, so may it be said of the worst man, that he does more good than evil.
Samuel JohnsonIn most ages many countries have had part of their inhabitants in a state of slavery; yet it may be doubted whether slavery can ever be supposed the natural condition of man. It is impossible not to conceive that men in their original state were equal; and very difficult to imagine how one would be subjected to another but by violent compulsion. An individual may, indeed, forfeit his liberty by a crime; but he cannot by that crime forfeit the liberty of his children.
Samuel Johnson