Quote#Pain
As it is necessary not to invite robbery by supineness, so it is our…
Quote bySamuel Johnson · 1709–1784
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Rambler (1750–1752), No. 79 (18 December 1750).
English (original)
As it is necessary not to invite robbery by supineness, so it is our duty not to suppress tenderness by suspicion; it is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust.
— Samuel Johnson
More from Samuel Johnson
Unmoved though Witlings sneer and Rivals rail, Studious to please, yet not ashamed to fail. He scorns the meek address, the suppliant strain. With merit needless, and without it vain. In Reason, Nature, Truth, he dares to trust: Ye Fops, …
This mournful truth is ev'rywhere confessed — Slow rises worth, by poverty depressed.
Of all the Griefs that harrass the Distrest, Sure the most bitter is a scornful Jest
The reciprocal civility of authors is one of the most risible scenes in the farce of life.
By Numbers here from Shame or Censure free, All Crimes are safe, but hated Poverty. This, only this, the rigid Law persues, This, only this, provokes the snarling Muse.
A thousand horrid Prodigies foretold it. A feeble government, eluded Laws, A factious Populace, luxurious Nobles, And all the maladies of stinking states.