Samuel Johnson

This man [Chesterfield] I thought had been a lord among wits; but
I find he is only a wit read more

This man [Chesterfield] I thought had been a lord among wits; but
I find he is only a wit among lords.

The applause of a single human being is of great consequence.

The applause of a single human being is of great consequence.

Language is only the instrument of science, and words are but the signs of ideas.

Language is only the instrument of science, and words are but the signs of ideas.

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

For a man seldom thinks with more earnestness of anything than he
does of his dinner.

For a man seldom thinks with more earnestness of anything than he
does of his dinner.