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 JOHNSONWhen a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.
More Samuel Johnson Quotes
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The superiority of some men is merely local. They are great because their associates are little.
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Our aspirations are our possibilities.
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The really happy woman is the one who can enjoy the scenery when she has to take a detour. Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but rather a manner of traveling.
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When there is no hope, there can be no endeavor.
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The Irish are a fair people: They never speak well of one another.
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Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives.
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Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.
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He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life in fruitless efforts.
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A horse that can count to ten is a remarkable horse, not a remarkable mathematician.
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Curiosity is, in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last.
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Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter.
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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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The true art of memory is the art of attention.
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Prejudice, not being founded on reason, cannot be removed by argument.
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A wise man will make haste to forgive, because he knows the true value of time, and will not suffer it to pass away in unnecessary pain.
SAMUEL JOHNSON