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.

July 31, 2025

1 year ago

Conspiracies cannot be hatched without the complicity of others, and for that reason are extremely dangerous.

February 6, 2025

2 years ago

One should as a rule respect public opinion insofar as is necessary to avoid starvation and to keep out of prison,

November 3, 2025

12 months ago

One of the uses of history is to free us from a falsely imagined past.

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