Samuel Johnson

Merit is much more cheaply acknowledged than rewarded

Merit is much more cheaply acknowledged than rewarded

Of all the griefs that harass the distress'd,
Sure the most bitter is a scornful jest;
Fate read more

Of all the griefs that harass the distress'd,
Sure the most bitter is a scornful jest;
Fate never wounds more deep the generous heart,
Than when a blockhead's insult points the dart.

Excellence in any department can be attained only by the labor of a lifetime; it is not to be purchased read more

Excellence in any department can be attained only by the labor of a lifetime; it is not to be purchased at a lesser price.

The noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees is the high-road
that leads him to England.

The noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees is the high-road
that leads him to England.

Why, sir, Sherry is dull, naturally dull; but it must have taken
him a great deal of pains to read more

Why, sir, Sherry is dull, naturally dull; but it must have taken
him a great deal of pains to become what we now see him. Such an
excess of stupidity, Sir, is not in Nature.