Quotes from Samuel Johnson

All severity that does not tend to increase good, or prevent evil, is idle.

[Sunday] should be different from another day. People may walk, but not throw stones at birds. There may be relaxation, but there should be no levity.

We are easily shocked by crimes which appear at once in their full magnitude, but the gradual growth of our own wickedness, endeared by interest, and palliated by all the artifices of self-deceit, gives us time to form distinctions in our own favor,

Exert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire.

God Himself, sir, does not propose to judge a man until his life is over. Why should you and I?

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, sir, should keep his friendship in a constant repair.

All severity that does not tend to increase good, or prevent evil, is idle.

Life cannot subsist in society but by reciprocal concessions.

Never, my dear Sir, do you take it into your head that I do not love you; you may settle yourself in full confidence both of my love and my esteem; I love you as a kind man, I value you as a worthy man, and hope in time to reverence you as a man of exemplary piety.

Man is a transitory being, and his designs must partake of the imperfections their author.

The love of life is necessary to the vigorous prosecution of any undertaking

That we must all die, we always knew; I wish I had remembered it sooner.