As to precedents, to be sure they will increase in course of time; but the more precedents there are, the less occasion is there for law; that is to say, the less occasion is there for investigating principles. β¨ James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, Edmond Malone (1824). The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL. D., Comprehending an Account of His Studies, and Numerous Works, in Chronological Order: A Series of His Epistolary Correspondence and Conversations with Many Eminent Persons; and Various Original Pieces of His Composition, Never Before Published; the Whole Exhibiting a View of Literature and Literary Men in Great Britain, for Near Half a Century During which He Flourished, p.145
More Author Quotes
- In order that all men may be taught to speak truth, it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it; for no species of falsehood is more frequent than flattery, to which the coward is betra β¦ βΆ
- Every man thinks meanly of himself for not having been a soldier, or not having been at sea. β¨ In James Boswell 'The Life of Samuel Johnson' (1791) vol. 3, p. 265 (10 April 1778)
- The supreme end of education is expert discernment in all things-the power to tell the good from the bad, the genuine from the counterfeit, and to prefer the good and the genuine to the bad and the c β¦ βΆ
- Pride is a vice, which pride itself inclines every man to find in others, and to overlook in himself β¨ Samuel Johnson (1804). Miscellaneous and fugitive pieces [chiefly of Johnson, ed. by T. Davies]. β¦ βΆ
- What signifies protesting so against flattery when a person speaks well of one, it must either be true or false, you know if true, let us rejoice in his good opinion if he lies, it is a proof at leas β¦ βΆ
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