While the name Samuel Johnson might not be a household name in today’s world, he was a prolific and well-known writer in 18th century England. Johnson lived from 1709 to 1784, and wrote in many genres, including plays, poetry, essays, sermons, and literary criticism. His works were so popular that the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography refers to him as “arguably the most distinguished man of letters in English history.” I’ve used quotes from him in my own writing. Today I thought I would share a few of his quotes, as he displayed a rather dry and often self-deprecating wit in his writing and a keen understanding of the world. In no particular order, here goes:

“I hate mankind, for I think myself one of the best of them, and I know how bad I am.”
— An example of Johnson’s humor. I don’t know about anyone reading this, but I can relate with the sentiment. I think we often consider ourselves to be pinnacles of humanity, but when we really consider ourselves honestly, who among us doesn’t have immense faults?

“What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.”
— Another gem. As an author myself, I cannot expect others to read my ramblings if I dash something off without giving every effort to make it as perfect as I can.

“Men know that women are an overmatch for them, and therefore they choose the weakest or the most ignorant. If they did not think so, they never could be afraid of women knowing as much as themselves.”
— Oh boy, where do I even tackle this one? I might say the man was well before his time, though the quote shows an extraordinary cynicism. Not all men think this way!

“A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.”
— Truth!

“My congratulations to you, sir. Your manuscript is both good and original; but the part that is good is not original, and the part that is original is not good.”
— Slam! 😀 The guy certainly had a way of speaking!

“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.”
— I am reminded of the truth of this statement on a near daily basis.

“Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those whom we cannot resemble.”
— Do not try to be something you are not. Good advice.

“I would rather be attacked than unnoticed. For the worst thing you can do to an author is to be silent as to his works.”
— Another truth. While I would not wish to be attacked relentlessly, to be ignored is arguably worse.

And the best Samuel Johnson in my opinion is:

“Depend upon it, sir, when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.”
— I’ve never been in this situation, but I can imagine he is 1000% correct!