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Quotes by Samuel Johnson, English Writer

Samuel Johnson was an English lexicographer, poet, essayist, and critic.

Johnson is best known for “A Dictionary of the English Language”, which was published in 1755. It was the first comprehensive dictionary of the English language. Previously, there were no comprehensive dictionaries of the English language, and the definitions of words were often inconsistent and unreliable. Johnson’s dictionary, which took nearly a decade to complete, was the first to provide precise and reliable definitions of words and to trace the etymology of words. It became the standard reference work for the English language.

Johnson’s dictionary also helped to standardize the English language, as it established a set of rules for spelling, grammar, and usage that were widely accepted and followed. This had a lasting impact on the development of the English language and helped to establish it as a language of international importance.

He is also known for his contributions to English literature, including his poem “The Vanity of Human Wishes” and his edition of the plays of William Shakespeare. Johnson was a respected figure in his time and continues to be remembered as a major figure in English literature and language.

Quotes by Samuel Johnson 

  • Language is the dress of thought.
  • Words are but the signs of ideas.
  • What is easy is seldom excellent.
  • Love is only one of many passions.
  • No man was ever great by imitation.
  • Exercise is labor without weariness.
  • The future is purchased by the present.
  • My dear friend, clear your mind of cant.
  • He who praises everybody, praises nobody.
  • Power is not sufficient evidence of truth.
  • It is better to live rich than to die rich.
  • I will be conquered; I will not capitulate.
  • At seventy-seven it is time to be in earnest.
  • Worth seeing? Yes; but not worth going to see.
  • The true art of memory is the art of attention.
  • Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.
  • Actions are visible, though motives are secret.
  • Poetry is the art of uniting pleasure with truth.
  • Books like friends, should be few and well-chosen.
  • There are charms made only for distant admiration.

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