15 Samuel Johnson Quotes on Communication

Samuel Johnson quotes on communication

4. It is always observable that silence propagates itself, and that the longer talk has been suspended, the more difficult it is to find any thing to say.

42. Men more frequently require to be reminded than informed.

51. In order that all men may be taught to speak truth, it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it.

61. Every quotation contributes something to the stability or enlargement of the language.

70. It is commonly observed, that when two Englishmen meet, their first talk is of the weather; they are in haste to tell each other, what each must already know, that it is hot or cold, bright or cloudy, windy or calm.

75. Merriment is always the effect of a sudden impression. The jest which is expected is already destroyed.

92. A man sometimes starts up a patriot, only by disseminating discontent, and propagating reports of secret influence, of dangerous counsels, of violated rights, and encroaching usurpation. This practice is no certain note of patriotism. To instigate the populace with rage beyond the provocation, is to suspend publick happiness, if not to destroy it. He is no lover of his country, that unnecessarily disturbs its peace. Few errours and few faults of government, can justify an appeal to the rabble; who ought not to judge of what they cannot understand, and whose opinions are not propagated by reason, but caught by contagion. The fallaciousness of this note of patriotism is particularly apparent, when the clamour continues after the evil is past.

107. I hate a fellow whom pride or cowardice or laziness drives into a corner, and who does nothing when he is there but sit and growl. Let him come out as I do, and bark.

108. Tom Birch is as brisk as a bee in conversation; but no sooner does he take a pen in his hand than it becomes a torpedo to him, and benumbs all his faculties.

128. I [Boswell] happened to say, it would be terrible if he should not find a speedy opportunity of returning to London, and be confined in so dull a place. JOHNSON: 'Don't, Sir, accustom yourself to use big words for little matters. It would not be terrible, though I were to be detained some time here.'

139. Read over your compositions, and wherever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out.

150. Sir, you have but two topicks, yourself and me. I am sick of both.

157. It is more from carelessness about truth than from intentional lying, that there is so much falsehood in the world.

177. 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.

199. Sir, I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an understanding.