Smartyfair
If a man does not make new acquaintance as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, Sir, should keep his friendship in constant repair.

Where these words come from

How sure this is
95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up
Conversation with Sir Joshua Reynolds, recorded in James Boswell’s Life of Johnson; Both consecutive sentences retained exactly, including “Sir” and singular “friendship.” Boswell’s narrative around the Dictionary’s publication read; this is reported speech to Reynolds, not Boswell’s own aphorism. P
Work
Conversation with Sir Joshua Reynolds, recorded in James Boswell’s Life of Johnson
Sources checked
  • gutenberg.orgChecked using manual, 20 October 2026Conversation with Sir Joshua Reynolds, recorded in James Boswell’s Life of Johnson; Both consecutive sentences retained exactly, including “Sir” and singular “friendship.” Boswell’s narrative around the Dictionary’s publication read; this is reported speech to Reynolds, not Boswell’s own aphorism. P

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