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.

Society

More Quotes

December 10, 2025
December 10, 2025
Governance
There are not enough jails, not enough policemen, not enough courts to enforce a law not supported by the people.
March 1, 2025
00:38
March 1, 2025
Human Nature
…considering the imbecility of human judgment and the difficulty of choice in new and doubtful things…it is much easier and pleasanter to follow than to guide [others].
May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025
Democracy
The two greatest obstacles to democracy in the United States are, first, the widespread delusion among the poor
1…2425262728…123
Page 26 of 123