“Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those whom we cannot resemble.”

— Samuel Johnson, The Rambler, No. 135 (2 July 1751)

About Samuel Johnson

1709 – 1784

English writer, critic and lexicographer, compiler of 'A Dictionary of the English Language' (1755), whose conversation was recorded by James Boswell.

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“Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; you do not find it among gross people.”

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“A man, sir, should keep his friendship in constant repair.”

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“Hope is itself a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords.”

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“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

— Epictetus

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

— Aristotle

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

— Rumi

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

— Lao Tzu

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

— Confucius

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”

— Oscar Wilde

“Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those whom we cannot resemble.”

About Samuel Johnson

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