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Samuel Johnson on Life

1709–1784 England

← All quotes by Samuel Johnson

8 quotes

Learn, that the present hour alone is man's.

The Tragedy of Irene (1749)

Reflect that life, like every other blessing,
Derives its value from its use alone.

Life is a pill which none of us can bear to swallow without gilding.

Human life is everywhere a state in which much is to be endured and little to be enjoyed.

The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia (1759)

"Enlarge my life with multitude of days!"
In health, in sickness, thus the suppliant prays:
Hides from himself his state, and shuns to know
That life protracted is protracted woe.

The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749)

The drama's laws the drama's patrons give.
For we that live to please must please to live.

Prologue to opening of Drury Lane Theatre (1747)

In life's last scene what prodigies surprise,
Fears of the brave, and follies of the wise!
From Marlborough's eyes the streams of dotage flow,
And Swift expires a driveller and a show.

Catch, then, oh! catch the transient hour,
Improve each moment as it flies;
Life's a short summer—man a flower;
He dies—alas! how soon he dies!

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Samuel Johnson (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.