Prudence operates on life in the same manner as rule of composition; it produces vigilance rather than elevation; rather prevents loss than procures advantage; and often miscarriages, but seldom reaches either power or honor. – Samuel Johnson
Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings. – Samuel Johnson
A short letter to a distant friend is, in my opinion, an insult like that of a slight bow or cursory salutation — a proof of unwillingness to do much, even where there is a necessity of doing something. – Samuel Johnson
I have always considered it as treason against the great republic of human nature, to make any mans virtues the means of deceiving him. – Samuel Johnson