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Browse all 10,075 quotes or apply filters in different categories to narrow your search.
Biography32 quotes
Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. — Samuel Johnson · 1778The triumph of hope over experience. — Samuel Johnson · 1784Claret is the liquor for the boys; port, for men; but he who aspires to be a hero (smiling) must drink brandy. — Samuel Johnson · 1779No, Sir; to act from pure benevolence is not possible for finite beings. Human benevolence is mingled with vanity, interest, or some other motive. — Samuel Johnson · 1776Sir, a woman's preaching is like a dog's walking on his hinder legs. It is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all. — Samuel Johnson · 1763Consider, Sir, how insignificant this will appear a twelvemonth hence. — Samuel Johnson · 1763All 32 quotes →Travel writing3 quotes
A lawyer has no business with the justice or injustice of the cause which he undertakes, unless his client asks his opinion, and then he is bound to give it honestly. The justice or injustice of the cause is to be decided by the judge. — Samuel Johnson · 1773I am always sorry when any language is lost, because languages are the pedigree of nations. — Samuel Johnson · 1773Why, sir, a man grows better humoured as he grows older. He improves by experience. When young, he thinks himself of great consequence, and every thing of importance. As he advances in life, he learns to think himself of no consequence, and little things of little importance; and so he becomes more patient, and better pleased. — Samuel Johnson · 1773