If a madman were to come into this room with a stick in his hand, no doubt we should pity the state of his mind; but our primary consideration would be to take care of ourselves. We should knock him down first, and pity him afterwards.
SAMUEL JOHNSONAlmost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.
More Samuel Johnson Quotes
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The future is purchased by the present.
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Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives.
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Exert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don’t think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire.
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Language is the dress of thought; every time you talk your mind is on parade.
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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.
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The majority have no other reason for their opinions than that they are the fashion.
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A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization.
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It is better to live rich than to die rich.
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No government power can be abused long. Mankind will not bear it…. There is a remedy in human nature against tyranny, that will keep us safe under every form of government.
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Every man is rich or poor according to the proportion between his desires and his enjoyments.
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A little knowledge is a dangerous thing – it only hastens fools to rush in where angels fear to tread.
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There are two types of knowledge. One is knowing a thing. The other is knowing where to find it.
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Prejudice, not being founded on reason, cannot be removed by argument.
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Whatever enlarges hope will also exalt courage.
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Each person’s work is always a portrait of himself.
SAMUEL JOHNSON