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 29, 2025

3 months ago

Equality may perhaps be a right, but no power on earth can ever turn it into a fact.

October 4, 2025

5 months ago

Most men make little other use of their speech than to give evidence against their own understanding.

March 20, 2025

11 months ago

No more distressing moment can ever face a British government than that which requires it to come to a hard, fast and specific decision.

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