While grief is fresh, every attempt to divert only irritates. You must wait till grief be digested, and then amusement will dissipate the remains of it.

(Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), British author, lexicographer. Quoted in James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson, April 10, 1776 (1791).)

Life must be filled up, and the man who is not capable of intellectual pleasures must content himself with such as his senses can afford.

(Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), British author, lexicographer. repr. In Johnsonian Miscellanies, ed. George Birkbeck Hill, p. 251 (1897). Quoted in Hester Piozzi, Anecdotes of Samuel Johnson, vol. 1 (1786).)

Sir, there is more knowledge in a letter of Richardson's, than in all Tom Jones.

(Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), British author, lexicographer. (Originally published 1791). Boswell's Life of Johnson, April 6, 1772, p. 480, Oxford University Press (1980).)

Curiosity is, in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last.

(Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), British author, lexicographer. repr. In Works of Samuel Johnson, vol. 4, ed. W.J. Bate and Albrecht B. Strauss (1969). Rambler (London, Aug. 24, 1751), no. 150.)

Sir, a woman's preaching is like a dog's walking on his hinder legs. It is not done well; but you are surprized to find it done at all.

(Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), British author, lexicographer. (Originally published 1791). Boswell's Life of Johnson, July 30, 1763, Oxford University Press (1980). Comment on a woman preaching at a Quaker meeting.)

Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those whom we cannot resemble.

(Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), British author, lexicographer. repr. in Works of Samuel Johnson, vol. 4, eds. W.J. Bate and Albrecht B. Strauss (1969). Rambler (London, July 2, 1751), no. 135.)

The happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered but a general effect of pleasing impression.

(Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), British author, lexicographer. Quoted in James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson, entry for 1781 (1791).)

What is the reason that women servants ... have much lower wages than men servants ... when in fact our female house servants work much harder than the male?

(Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), British author, lexicographer. (Originally published 1791). Boswell's Life of Johnson, April 13, 1773, p. 513, Oxford University Press (1980).)

Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.

(Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), British author, lexicographer. repr. in Works of Samuel Johnson, vol. 4, eds. W.J. Bate and Albrecht B. Strauss (1969). Rambler (London, March 1751), no. 103.)

Melancholy, indeed, should be diverted by every means but drinking.

(Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), British author, lexicographer. Quoted in James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson, March 28, 1776 (1791).)