Samuel Johnson

Criticism, as it was first instituted by Aristotle, was meant as a standard of judging well.

Criticism, as it was first instituted by Aristotle, was meant as a standard of judging well.

It is reasonable to have perfection in our eye that we may always advance toward it, though we know it read more

It is reasonable to have perfection in our eye that we may always advance toward it, though we know it can never be reached.

Suspicion is not less an enemy to virtue than to happiness; he that is already corrupt is naturally suspicious, and read more

Suspicion is not less an enemy to virtue than to happiness; he that is already corrupt is naturally suspicious, and he that becomes suspicious will quickly become corrupt

Claret is the liquor for boys; port for men; but he who aspires to be a hero must drink brandy.

Claret is the liquor for boys; port for men; but he who aspires to be a hero must drink brandy.

Books have always a secret influence on the understanding; we
cannot at pleasure obliterate ideas: he that reads books read more

Books have always a secret influence on the understanding; we
cannot at pleasure obliterate ideas: he that reads books of
science, though without any desire fixed of improvement, will
grow more knowing; he that entertains himself with moral or
religious treatises, will imperceptibly advance in goodness; the
ideas which are often offered to the mind, will at last find a
lucky moment when it is disposed to receive them.