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.

March 20, 2025

1 year 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.

December 31, 2025

7 months ago

Civilization is nothing else but the attempt to reduce force to being the last resort.

October 4, 2025

10 months ago

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

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