He that pursues fame with just claims, trusts his happiness to the win…

Samuel Johnson
884 citations
He that pursues fame with just claims, trusts his happiness to the winds; but he that endeavors after it by false merit, has to fear, not only the violence of the storm, but the leaks of his vessel. ✨ Samuel Johnson, Arthur Murphy (1811). The Works of Samuel Johnson, L. L. D.: In Twelve Volumes, p.118
Reading
14

More Author Quotes

Avarice is always poor. ✨ Samuel Johnson, Hester Lynch Piozzi, James Boswell (1787). The Beauties of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.: Consisting of Maxims and Observations, Moral, Critical, and Miscellaneous, … ▶
Idleness is often covered by turbulence and hurry. He that neglects his known duty and real employment naturally endeavours to crowd his mind with something that may bar out the remembrance of his ow … ▶
Life is barren enough surely with all her trappings; let us be therefore cautious of how we strip her. ✨ Hester Lynch Piozzi, Samuel Johnson (1826). Anecdotes of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. during the last … ▶
When a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully. ✨ Quoted in James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791) (entry for 19 Sept. 1777)
The most useful truths are always universal, and unconnected with accidents and customs. ✨ Samuel Johnson (1804). The beauties of Samuel Johnson: maxims and observations. To which are now added, biog … ▶

More Author Quotes

Most Cited Authors

The Best Quotes

Most Liked Authors

Curated Author Quotes