Dr. Samuel Johnson was one of the most quotable people in the history of the English language. Here are a few of his choice comments:
“Language is the dress of thought”
Johnson: Cowley (Lives of the Poets)
“Sir, a woman’s preaching is like a dog’s walking on his hind legs. It is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all.”
from Boswell’s Life of Johnson
On second marriages: “The triumph of hope over experience.”
from Boswell’s Life of Johnson
“Exercise!! I never heard that he used any: he might, for aught I know, walk to the alehouse; but I believe he was always carried home again.”
Piozzi: Anecdotes
He was also reputed to be the ugliest man in London. G. K. Chesterton (another of the most quotable speakers in the history of the language) on being asked to portray Dr. Johnson in the Christmas panto noted that he didn’t know whether to be complimented or insulted.
Samuel Johnson was born at Litchfield, Staffordshire, England, on September 18, 1709.
