Quote#Wisdom
To convince any man against his will is hard, but to please him…
Quote bySamuel Johnson · 1709–1784
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Rambler (1750–1752), No. 93.
English (original)
To convince any man against his will is hard, but to please him against his will is justly pronounced by Dryden to be above the reach of human abilities.
— Samuel Johnson
More from Samuel Johnson
Of all the Griefs that harrass the Distrest, Sure the most bitter is a scornful Jest
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, …
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.
This mournful truth is ev'rywhere confessed — Slow rises worth, by poverty depressed.
A thousand horrid Prodigies foretold it. A feeble government, eluded Laws, A factious Populace, luxurious Nobles, And all the maladies of stinking states.