Samuel Johnson

It is better that some should be unhappy than that none should be happy, which would be the case in a general state of equality.

Example is always more efficacious than precept.

Ye who listen with credulity to the whispers of fancy, and pursue with eagerness the phantoms of hope; who expect that age will perform the promises of youth, and that the deficiencies of the present day will be supplied by the morrow, - attend to the history of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia.

How small of all that human hearts endure, That part which laws or kings can cause or cure! Still to ourselves in every place consigned, Our own felicity we make or find. With secret course, which no loud storms annoy, Glides the smooth current of domestic joy.

The endearing elegance of female friendship.

A cow is a very good animal in the field; but we turn her out of a garden.

Madam, before you flatter a man so grossly to his face, you should consider whether or not your flattery is worth his having.

It is a most mortifying reflection for a man to consider what he has done, compared to what he might have done.

Fears of the brave, and follies of the wise! From Marlbrough's eyes the streams of dotage flow, And Swift expires, a driv'ler and a show.

Whoever wishes to attain an English style, familiar but not coarse, and elegant but not ostentatious, must give his days and nights to the volumes of Addison.