The true, strong, and sound mind is the mind that can embrace equally great things and small.
Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. vii. Chap. vi. 1778.
I remember a passage in Goldsmith's "Vicar of Wakefield," which he was afterwards fool enough to expunge: "I do not love a man who is zealous for nothing." . . . . [[374]]There was another fine passage too which he struck out: "When I was a young man, being anxious to distinguish myself, I was perpetually starting new propositions. But I soon gave this over; for I found that generally what was new was false."
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Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. vii. Chap. viii. 1779.
Claret is the liquor for boys, port for men; but he who aspires to be a hero must drink brandy.
Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. vii. Chap. viii. 1779.
A Frenchman must be always talking, whether he knows anything of the matter or not; an Englishman is content to say nothing when he has nothing to say.
Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. vii. Chap. x.
Of Dr. Goldsmith he said, "No man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, or more wise when he had."
Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. vii. Chap. x.