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.

November 16, 2025

12 months ago

There is no more ungraceful figure than that of a humanitarian with the eye to main chance.

October 24, 2025

1 year ago

[On dealing with the Royal Family] I never deny, I never contradict. I sometimes forget.

May 29, 2025

1 year ago

The whole duty of government is to prevent crime and to preserve contracts.

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