The History of Rasselas Quotes

“Human life is everywhere a state in which much is to be endured and little to be enjoyed.”

― Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas

topic:lifepainjoy

“Happiness . . . must be something solid and permanent, without fear and without uncertainty.”

― Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas

topic:happinessfear

“Man surely has some latent sense for which this place affords no gratification; or he has some desire distinct from sense, which must be satisfied before he can be happy.”

― Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas

topic:happinessdesire

“Nothing is more idle than to inquire after happiness which Nature has kindly placed within our reach.”

― Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas

topic:happinessnature

“Truth, such as is necessary to the regulation of life, is always found where it is honestly sought.”

― Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas

topic:truthhonesty

“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.”

― Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas

topic:knowledgeweaknessdanger

“Some have little power to do good, and have likewise little strength to resist evil.”

― Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas

topic:strengthpowergoodevil

“Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance; yonder palace was raised by single stones, yet you see its height and spaciousness.”

― Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas

topic:strengthwork

“The first years of man must make provision for the last. He that never thinks, never can be wise.”

― Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas

topic:wisdomagethought

“Ignorance, when it is voluntary, is criminal; and he may properly be charged with evil who refused to learn how he might prevent it.”

― Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas

topic:evillearningignorance