Quotes Library

April 27, 2025

A decent provision for the poor, is the true test of civilization.

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), English poet, critic, lexicographer, in James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson (1791) 1770, Jay p.197

Do the poor inspire compassion, or are they just annoying? Shiftless scammers?

Johnson puts it well, and simply so.

September 26, 2025

10 months ago

It is better to abolish serfdom from above than to wait for it to abolish itself from below.

September 14, 2025

11 months ago

The organization of American society is an interlocking system of semi-monopolies notoriously venal

May 19, 2025

1 year ago

Let me…warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party.

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