“It is dangerous for mortal beauty, or terrestrial virtue, to be examined by too strong a light. The torch of Truth shows much that we cannot, and all that we would not, see.”

Samuel Johnson View all quotes by Samuel Johnson

More from Samuel Johnson

“Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.” Samuel Johnson

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” Samuel Johnson

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Samuel Johnson