James Boswell Quotes

We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over. So in a series of acts of kindness there is, at last, one which makes the heart run over.

I am so fond of tea that I could write a whole dissertation on its virtues. It comforts and enlivens without the risks attendant on spirituous liquors. Gentle herb! Let the florid grape yield to thee. Thy soft influence is a more safe inspirer of social joy.

I, who have no sisters or brothers, look with some degree of innocent envy on those who may be said to be born to friends.

I have discovered that we may be in some degree whatever character we choose. Besides, practice forms a man to anything.

He had no settled plan of life, nor looked forward at all, but merely lived from day to day. Yet he read a great deal in a desultory manner, without any scheme of study, as chance threw books in his way, and inclination directed him through them.

I have found you an argument; I am not obliged to find you an understanding.

A page of my journal is like a cake of portable soup. A little may be diffused into a considerable portion.

The connection between authors, printers, and booksellers must be kept up.

A companion loves some agreeable qualities which a man may possess, but a friend loves the man himself.

He who has provoked the lash of wit, cannot complain that he smarts from it.