Samuel Johnson

Birth: 1709-09-18 , Lichfield

Death: 1784-12-13 , Londres

Samuel Johnson was a prominent 18th-century English writer, lexicographer, essayist, poet, and literary critic. He is widely regarded as one of the most important literary figures in British history, famous for his 'A Dictionary of the English Language'.

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Dull. To make dictionaries is dull work.

Tories, in short, are atrophied Englishmen, lacking certain moral and intellectual reflexes. They are recognisable, homely — even, on occasions, endearing — but liable to turn nasty at short notice.

All the arguments which are brought to represent poverty as no evil, show it to be evidently a great evil. You never find people labouring to convince you that you may live very happily upon a plentiful fortune.

We would all be idle if we could.

The true genius is a mind of large general powers, accidentally determined to some particular direction.

George the First knew nothing, and desired to know nothing; did nothing, and desired to do nothing; and the only good thing that is told of him is, that he wished to restore the crown to its hereditary successor.

Excise: a hateful tax levied upon commodities.

The love of life is necessary to the vigorous prosecution of any undertaking.

I had done all that I could; and no man is well pleased to have his all neglected, be it ever so little.

A man who both spends and saves money is the happiest man, because he has both enjoyments.

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Samuel Johnson (18 September 1709 – 13 December 1784) was an English writer who became one of the most celebrated intellectuals of his time. Born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, he struggled with ill health and financial difficulties for much of his life. His most influential work, 'A Dictionary of the English Language' (1755), was a landmark in English lexicography, defining the vocabulary and spelling of the language. Johnson also produced insightful essays, sermons, poems, and biographies, including 'Lives of the Poets'. He was a central figure in London's literary circles, known for his sharp wit, brilliant conversation, and strong opinions. His life and work were immortalized in James Boswell's 'Life of Samuel Johnson', one of the most important biographies in English literature.