Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson LL.D. MA (1709-1784), often referred to simply as Dr Johnson, is one of England's best known literary figures: a poet, essayist, biographer, lexicographer and a critic of English Literature. He was also a great wit and prose stylist, well known for his aphorisms. Dr Johnson is the most quoted English writer after Shakespeare and has been described as one of the outstanding figures of 18th-century England. Here are a few things that he has said:

The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.

Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.

It is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust.

No man was ever great by imitation.

Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short intermissions.

Getting money is not all a man's business: to cultivate kindness is a valuable part of the business of life.

Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.

He that undervalues himself will undervalue others, and he that undervalues others will oppress them.

He who praises everybody, praises nobody.

It is better to live rich than to die rich.