Samuel Johnson, born on September 18, 1709, in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, was a monumental figure in English literature and intellectual history. As a prolific writer, poet, essayist, and lexicographer, he is renowned for compiling the first comprehensive Dictionary of the English Language in 1755, as well as authoring influential works like “The Rambler” essays and “The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia.” His career highlights include his sharp literary criticism, moral philosophy, and contributions to biography, earning him the title “the Great Cham of Literature.” Johnson’s notable achievements also encompass his role in shaping modern English prose and his enduring wisdom on human nature. Quotes from him are primarily sourced from his books, essays, and accounts like James Boswell’s “Life of Samuel Johnson,” offering timeless insights. In this compilation, we present 15 of his quotes specifically about life, highlighting his reflective and pragmatic worldview.
15 Samuel Johnson Quotes
1. “Life is a progress from want to want, not from enjoyment to enjoyment.” (Rasselas, 1759)
2. “The fountain of content must spring up in the mind, and he who hath so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts.” (Rasselas, 1759)
3. “Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties, passing from one step of success to another, forming new wishes and seeing them gratified.” (Rasselas, 1759)
4. “The safe and general antidote against sorrow is employment. It is commonly observed, that among soldiers and seamen, though there is much kindness, there is little pity.” (The Rambler, No. 85, 1750)
5. “Life is short, and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are travelling the dark journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind.” (Attributed in various biographies, including Boswell’s Life of Johnson, 1791)
6. “He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never do anything. Life is no more than a succession of busy nothings.” (The Idler, No. 41, 1759)
7. “To be happy at home is the end of all human endeavour. In a sick day or a troubled day, he is still at home, and any day a good day.” (Quoted in Boswell’s Life of Johnson, 1791)
8. “Life is a disease: each day a symptom; and death the cure.” (Attributed in letters and anecdotes, c. 1770s)
9. “The habit of looking on the bright side of every event is worth more than a thousand pounds a year.” (Quoted in Boswell’s Life of Johnson, 1791)
10. “Life is a pill which none of us can bear to swallow without gilding; yet for the vast majority of mankind, the glittering exterior proves to be a poison.” (Rasselas, 1759)
11. “Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must be overcome first. Life is too short for such delays.” (The Rambler, No. 2, 1750)
12. “In life, as in chess, forethought wins.” (Quoted in Boswell’s Life of Johnson, 1791)
13. “The business of life is to go forwards; he that is stationary can never improve.” (The Rambler, No. 154, 1751)
14. “Life is not long, and too much of it must not pass in idle deliberation how it shall be spent.” (The Idler, No. 8, 1758)
15. “When a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully on the realities of life.” (Quoted in Boswell’s Life of Johnson, 1791)
Samuel Johnson’s quotes about life reveal a man of profound insight, blending wit, realism, and moral depth to address the human condition. They underscore themes of perseverance, inner contentment, and the fleeting nature of existence, encouraging reflection on how we navigate daily challenges and seek fulfillment. Through his words, Johnson reminds us that true wisdom comes from embracing life’s imperfections. What are your favorite insights from these quotes? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below.