Here is a selection of observations by Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) He was an English writer who made lasting contributions to English literature as a poet, playwright, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor, and lexicographer. He was a devout Anglican. Politically, he was a committed Tory.

* * *

Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.

He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.

The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.

Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.

Language is the dress of thought.

Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.

The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.

Let me smile with the wise, and feed with the rich.

Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.

Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.

Every man has a right to utter what he thinks truth, and every other man has a right to knock him down for it. Martyrdom is the test.

If pleasure was not followed by pain, who would forbear it?

The two offices of memory are collection and distribution.

Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.

* * *

Samuel Johnson once characterized literary biographies as “mournful narratives,” and he believed that he lived “a life radically wretched.” Yet his career can be seen as a literary success story of the sickly boy from the Midlands who by talent, tenacity, and intelligence became the foremost literary figure and the most formidable conversationalist of his time. For future generations, Johnson was synonymous with the later 18th century in England. The disparity between his circumstances and achievement gives his life its especial interest.

Here is a direct link to more information about his life and work.