Samuel Johnson

A man would rather have a hundred lies told of him than one truth which he does not wish should read more

A man would rather have a hundred lies told of him than one truth which he does not wish should be known.

He is a benefactor of mankind who contracts the great rules of life into short sentences, that may be easily read more

He is a benefactor of mankind who contracts the great rules of life into short sentences, that may be easily impressed on the memory, and so recur habitually to the mind.

Let observation with extensive view,
Survey mankind from China to Peru;
Remark each anxious toil, each eager read more

Let observation with extensive view,
Survey mankind from China to Peru;
Remark each anxious toil, each eager strife,
And watch the busy scenes of crowded life.

Commemoration of James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, Martyr in Uganda, 1885 Continuing a short series on prayer: read more

Commemoration of James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, Martyr in Uganda, 1885 Continuing a short series on prayer: Madness frequently discovers itself merely by unnecessary deviation from the usual modes of the world. My poor friend Christopher Smart showed the disturbance of his mind, by falling upon his knees, and saying his prayers in the street, or in any other unusual place. Now although, rationally speaking, it is greater madness not to pray at all, than to pray as Smart did, I am afraid there are so many who do not pray, that their understanding is not called in question... I did not think he ought to be shut up. His infirmities were not noxious to society. He insisted on people praying with him; and I'd as lief pray with Kit Smart as any.

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.