Samuel Johnson was an English lexicographer, moralist, and writer who lived from 1709 to 1784. He is best known for writing A Dictionary of the English Language (1755). Johnson was a massive name in literature in the 18th century. His essays, poetry, biographies, and critical analyses are all marked by sharp wit, deep intellect, and keen moral insight. His conversations and writings were filled with profound reflections on human nature, perseverance, and virtue, making his quotes timeless.
“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good” is one of his most well-known quotes. This demonstrates his belief in honesty and moral character. “Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance,” he said, which was another example of his support for hard work and persistence. The pursuit of knowledge, literature, and happiness were just a few of Johnson’s many topics of wisdom. His influence on morality, diligence, and human dignity endures well after he has left his literary mark. One of the most cited thinkers in history, his words continue to inspire individuals seeking guidance in personal and intellectual development.
Birth and Early Life
Samuel Johnson was born on September 18, 1709, in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. He was the son of Michael Johnson, a bookseller, and Sarah Ford. Samuel Johnson’s family was not wealthy, and his father’s bookselling business faced financial difficulties, which often led to struggles for the family. Despite these hardships, Johnson’s mother was determined to provide him with an education. As a child, Johnson was often sick, and his health problems would persist throughout his life. He was also a precocious student, showing a deep intellectual curiosity from a young age.
Education
A series of struggles marked Johnson’s education. He attended Lichfield Grammar School and later moved to Pembroke College, Oxford, at the age of 19 in 1728. However, Johnson’s time at Oxford was not without difficulty. He was forced to leave the university after only one year due to financial constraints, as his father could not afford to support him any longer. Despite the abrupt end to his formal education, Johnson remained intellectually driven throughout his life. He was a voracious reader, teaching himself a wide range of subjects. His self-education and intellectual curiosity were crucial in shaping his later career and his monumental contributions to English literature and culture.
Profession and Career
Samuel Johnson’s professional life was multifaceted, but he is best remembered as a writer, lexicographer, and intellectual. After leaving Oxford, Johnson struggled to find stable employment, taking on various teaching and writing positions. He began his literary career in London, where he gained some recognition as a writer. One of his early successes was his poem London (1738), a satirical piece that garnered some attention. However, his reputation as a writer would truly grow with his work on the Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1755.
Johnson’s Dictionary was a monumental achievement, not only because of its sheer scale but also because of its intellectual depth. It was the first comprehensive dictionary of the English language and set a standard for future lexicographers. In addition to the Dictionary, Johnson wrote several important works, including The Rambler (1750-1752), The Idler (1758-1760), and the well-known biography of his friend and contemporary, James Boswell’s Life of Samuel Johnson (1791), which helped to cement Johnson’s place in history.
Favorite Things and Interests
Samuel Johnson’s favorite things and interests were closely tied to his intellectual pursuits. He had a deep love for literature, philosophy, and language. Johnson was particularly passionate about the English language and spent years compiling his dictionary, making it an indispensable tool for scholars and writers alike. His interest in literature extended to both classical works and contemporary English writers, and he was known to have had a strong preference for specific authors, including Shakespeare and Milton.
In addition to his literary interests, Johnson had a fondness for food, mainly tea. He was known for his love of meals, especially his fondness for a hearty English breakfast. His affection for tea became legendary, and he often enjoyed multiple cups throughout the day. He also had a reputation for being exceptionally sentimental, with a strong attachment to his pets, particularly his cat, Hodge. Johnson’s love for simple pleasures and his intellectual interests shaped his worldview, and he often expressed a deep appreciation for the comforts of daily life.
Habits and Lifestyle
Samuel Johnson’s habits were shaped by his love for writing, reading, and socializing. He was known for his intense work ethic, often spending hours each day in his study, reading, and writing. Despite his sometimes gruff demeanor, Johnson was known to be a profoundly sociable person who enjoyed engaging in intellectual conversation with friends and fellow thinkers. His home was often a gathering place for the literary elite, and he was an essential part of London’s coffeehouse culture, where he would regularly meet with writers, scholars, and intellectuals to discuss literature, politics, and philosophy.
Johnson was also known for his eccentric habits. For example, he often took long walks around London, sometimes walking for hours at a time, reflecting on his ideas. He also had a reputation for being somewhat absent-minded, frequently losing his possessions or forgetting appointments. Despite his intellectual prowess, Johnson’s personal life was not without challenges, including his ongoing battles with depression and bouts of poor health, particularly in his later years.
Success and Legacy
Samuel Johnson’s success is most readily measured by the lasting impact he had on the English language and literature. The publication of his Dictionary of the English Language in 1755 is regarded as one of the most outstanding achievements in lexicography, and it remains one of his most significant contributions to the English-speaking world. Although later versions eventually supplanted his dictionary, it set the groundwork for the modern understanding of English vocabulary and grammar. Johnson’s wit, humor, and intellectual insight also earned him a reputation as one of the leading thinkers of his era.
In addition to his work on the dictionary, Johnson’s success was evident in his influence on English literature. He became a prominent figure in the literary world of his time, engaging with the works of major writers and shaping the literary tastes of 18th-century England. His critical works, such as The Lives of the Poets, demonstrated his keen analytical skills and set a new standard for literary criticism. Johnson’s impact on the development of literary biography, in particular, cannot be overstated, as his life as a poet was revolutionary in its thoroughness and approach to character analysis.
Samuel Johnson’s legacy as a writer, lexicographer, and philosopher continues to influence English literature and language today. His Dictionary remains a touchstone for the study of the English language, and his moral philosophy, expressed through his writings and conversations, continues to be read and appreciated by scholars and readers alike. He is considered one of the greatest writers in the history of English literature, and his work continues to be studied in schools and universities around the world.
Death
Samuel Johnson died on December 13, 1784, at the age of 75, in London. He had been in declining health for several years, suffering from various ailments, including arthritis and digestive issues. His death marked the end of a remarkable life of intellectual achievement and influence.
Johnson’s funeral was attended by several prominent figures, and his legacy lived on through his writings, which continued to inspire and shape the world of English letters. His friend and biographer, James Boswell, wrote a famous biography of Johnson, The Life of Samuel Johnson, which further solidified Johnson’s place in the annals of literary history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Samuel Johnson?
Samuel Johnson was an 18th-century English writer, poet, essayist, and lexicographer best known for compiling A Dictionary of the English Language.
What are Samuel Johnson’s most famous quotes?
One of his most famous quotes is, “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.”
What themes do his quotes focus on?
His quotes emphasize morality, perseverance, wisdom, literature, and human nature.
Did Samuel Johnson value hard work?
Yes, he firmly believed in diligence, stating, “Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.”
What did Johnson say about happiness?
He observed, “A man who has not been in Italy is always conscious of an inferiority.”—highlighting the value of experience and exploration.
Was he known for his wit?
Absolutely. Johnson was famous for his sharp wit and insightful commentary on life.
What did he say about literature?
He believed, “A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.”
Did he discuss knowledge and learning?
Yes, he said, “Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.”
Are his quotes still relevant today?
Yes, his wisdom on perseverance, integrity, and knowledge remains timeless.
Where can I find more of his quotes?
His works, including The Rambler, The Idler, and Lives of the Poets, are rich sources of his wisdom.
Conclusion
Samuel Johnson’s words continue to inspire readers with their depth, wit, and moral insight. His reflections on perseverance, integrity, and knowledge remain timeless, proving relevant across generations. Whether discussing the value of hard work or the importance of treating others with kindness, his wisdom transcends time. Johnson was more than just a lexicographer—he was a philosopher of human nature, offering guidance on literature, morality, and the pursuit of excellence. His legacy as one of history’s greatest thinkers endures, reminding us to strive for wisdom, embrace perseverance, and lead with integrity.