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 16, 2025

12 months ago

There is no more ungraceful figure than that of a humanitarian with the eye to main chance.

August 25, 2025

1 year ago

He that is minded to obey all the commonwealth’s orders, whether through fear of its power or through love of quiet

October 24, 2025

1 year ago

[On dealing with the Royal Family] I never deny, I never contradict. I sometimes forget.

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