Samuel Johnson

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.

I live in the crowds of jollity, not so much to enjoy company as
to shun myself.

I live in the crowds of jollity, not so much to enjoy company as
to shun myself.

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.

A cow is a very good animal in the field; but we turn her out of
a garden.

A cow is a very good animal in the field; but we turn her out of
a garden.

The trappings of a monarchy would set up an ordinary
commonwealth.

The trappings of a monarchy would set up an ordinary
commonwealth.