Leisure and curiosity might soon make great advances in useful knowledge, were they not diverted by minute emulation and laborious trifles. – Samuel Johnson
I had rather see the portrait of a dog that I know, than all the allegorical paintings they can show me in the world. – Samuel Johnson
When any fit of gloominess, or perversion of mind, lays hold upon you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaints. – Samuel Johnson
Were it not for imagination a man would be as happy in arms of a chambermaid as of a duchess. – Samuel Johnson
I feel like a hostage to fortune. Not that I am complaining. I wanted to play the role. But in truth I didnt think the show would be such a success. OK, I thought it would fail. Not because it was bad. I was confident it was good, but plenty of good things just sort of wither on the vine. – Hugh Laurie