There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man by which so much… — Samuel Johnson · Smartyfair

There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn.

Samuel Johnson1709–1784 · writer · 1700s EnglandSamuel Johnson was an English writer and critic best known for single-handedly writing one of the first great dictionaries of the English language, a project that took him about nine years.19 quotes

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How sure this is: 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. vi. Chap. iii. 1776.; Bartlett, Familiar Quotations, ninth edition, Samuel Johnson entry; Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. vi. Chap. iii. 1776.; Wording and named source checked in Bartlett’s published reference; the original work is identified by title and locator. Li
Work: Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. vi. Chap. iii. 1776.
Sources checked: gutenberg.orgChecked using manual, 17 October 2026Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. vi. Chap. iii. 1776.; Bartlett, Familiar Quotations, ninth edition, Samuel Johnson entry; Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. vi. Chap. iii. 1776.; Wording and named source checked in Bartlett’s published reference; the original work is identified by title and locator. Li

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More from Samuel Johnson

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill.

Samuel Johnson A man ought to read just as inclination leads him; for what he reads as a task will do him little good.

Samuel Johnson He is no wise man that will quit a certainty for an uncertainty.

Samuel Johnson Knowledge is of two kinds: we know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.

Samuel Johnson When a man is tired of London he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.

Samuel Johnson The true, strong, and sound mind is the mind that can embrace equally great things and small.

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