Those who have no power to judge of past times but by their own, should always doubt their conclusions.
Samuel Johnson Quotes
We must consider how very little history there is; I mean real authentic history. That certain Kings reigned, and certain battles were fought, we can depend on as true; but all the coloring, all the philosophy of history is conjecture.
The chains of custom are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.
Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.
The gratification of curiosity rather frees us from uneasiness than confers pleasure; we are more pained by ignorance than delighted by instruction. Curiosity is the thirst of the soul; it inflames and torments us, and makes us taste every thing with joy, however otherwise insipid, by which it may be quenched.
Leisure and curiosity might soon make great advances in useful knowledge, were they not diverted by minute emulation and laborious trifles.
The speculatist, who is not content with superficial views, harasses himself with fruitless curiosity; and still, as he inquires more, perceives only that he knows less.
Curiosity is, in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last.
Every man wishes to be wise, and they who cannot be wise are almost always cunning.
Cunning has effect from the credulity of others, rather than from the abilities of those who are cunning. It requires no extraordinary talents to lie and deceive.
