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.

August 5, 2025

12 months ago

[On being prime minister] Sometimes the strain is awful, you have to resort to Jane Austen.

October 15, 2025

10 months ago

Nothing is so fleeting as the memory of benefits received.

May 6, 2025

1 year ago

Our tradition is one of protest and revolt, and it is stultifying to celebrate the rebels of the past

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