Samuel Johnson Quotes about Death

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To neglect at any time preparation for death is to sleep on our post at a siege; to omit it in old age is to sleep at an attack.

To neglect at any time preparation for death is to sleep on our post at a siege; to omit it in old age is to sleep at an attack.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Sleep, Preparation

The Rambler no. 78 (15 Dec. 1750)

Philosophy has often attempted to repress insolence by asserting that all conditions are leveled by death; a position which, however it may defect the happy, will seldom afford much comfort to the wretched.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Philosophy, Comfort

Samuel Johnson (1848). “The Wisdom of the Rambler, Adventurer, and Idler”, p.277

Disease generally begins that equality which death completes.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Equality, Disease

Samuel Johnson (1820). “The Rambler”, p.257

When a friend is carried to his grave, we at once find excuses for every weakness, and palliation of every fault. We recollect a thousand endearments, which before glided off our minds without impression, a thousand favors unrepaid, a thousand duties unperformed; and wish, vainly wish, for his return, not so much that we may receive as that we may bestow happiness, and recompense that kindness which before we never understood.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Kindness, Mind

Samuel Johnson (1848). “The Wisdom of the Rambler, Adventurer, and Idler”, p.45

When we see our enemies and friends gliding away before us, let us not forget that we are subject to the general law of mortality, and shall soon be where our doom will be fixed forever.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Law, Forever

James Boswell, Samuel Johnson (1799). “Life of Johnson: Including Boswell's Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides and Johnson's Diary of a Journey Into North Wales”, p.442

It seems to be remarkable that death increases our veneration for the good, and extenuates our hatred for the bad.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Hatred, Increase

Samuel Johnson (1761). “The Rambler: In Four Volumes”, p.4

The time will come to every human being when it must be known how well he can bear to die.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Bears, Wells

Sir Thomas Browne, Samuel Johnson (1852). “The Works of Sir Thomas Browne: Preface. Dr. Johnson's Life of Sir Thomas Browne. Supplementary memoir by the editor. Mrs. Lyttleton's communication to Bishop Kennet. Pseudodoxia epidemica, books I-IV”, p.32

The uncertainty of death is, in effect, the great support of the whole system of life.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Support, Effects

It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives. The act of dying is not of importance, it lasts so short a time.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Time, Men

Quoted in James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791) (entry for 26 Oct. 1769)

I will be conquered; I will not capitulate.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Dying

Talking of his illness, in James Boswell 'The Life of Samuel Johnson' (1791) vol. 4, p. 374 (November 1784)

Prepare for death, if here at night you roam, and sign your will before you sup from home.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Home, Night

Samuel Johnson (1820). “The Poems of Dr. Samuel Johnson. To which is Prefixed, a Life of the Author”, p.30

Do not ... hope wholly to reason away your troubles; do not feed them with attention, and they will die imperceptibly away. Fix your thoughts upon your business, fill your intervals with company, and sunshine will again break in upon your mind.

Samuel Johnson

Death, Hope, Sunshine

Samuel Johnson (2014). “The Letters of Samuel Johnson, Volume II: 1773-1776”, p.299, Princeton University Press