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.

January 26, 2025

1 year ago

The Confederacy [i.e., the Confederate States of America, 1861-1865] has been done to death by politicians.

July 15, 2025

7 months ago

[To one of her hotel housekeepers] Only the little people pay taxes.

August 14, 2025

6 months ago

[Notice kept on his desk while working on his biography of Lord Mountbatten] Remember.

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