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Samuel Johnson Quotes about Soul

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Curiosity is the thirst of the soul.

Samuel Johnson, Hester Lynch Piozzi, James Boswell (1804). “The beauties of Samuel Johnson, LL. D.: consisting of maxims and observations, moral, critical, and miscellaneous: to which are now added biographical anecdotes of the doctor, selected from the works of Mrs. Piozzi;--his Life, recently published by Mr. Boswell, and other authentic testimonies; also his will, and the sermon he wrote for the late Doctor Dodd”, p.154

Sir, if a man has a mind to prance, he must study at Christ Church and All Souls.

1769 Remark, Autumn. Quoted in James Boswell The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791), vol.2.

It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our own souls.

In James Boswell 'The Life of Samuel Johnson' (1791) vol. 2, p. 10 (February 1766)

The life of a conscientious clergyman is not easy. I have always considered a clergyman as the father of a larger family than he is able to maintain. I would rather have chancery suits upon my hands than the cure of souls.

Samuel Johnson (1807). “Dr. Johnson's Table-talk: Containing Aphorisms on Literature, Life, and Manners, with Anecdotes of Distinguished Persons, Selected and Arranged from Mr. Boswell's Life of Johnson”, p.50

The limbs will quiver and move after the soul is gone.

Samuel Johnson (1836). “Johnsoniana: Or, Supplement to Boswell: Being Anecdotes and Sayings of Dr. Johnson”, p.311

I will take no more physick, not even my opiates; for I have prayed that I may render up my soul to God unclouded.

James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, Edmond Malone (1824). “The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL. D., Comprehending an Account of His Studies, and Numerous Works, in Chronological Order: A Series of His Epistolary Correspondence and Conversations with Many Eminent Persons; and Various Original Pieces of His Composition, Never Before Published; the Whole Exhibiting a View of Literature and Literary Men in Great Britain, for Near Half a Century During which He Flourished”, p.409

Then with no throbs of fiery pain, No cold gradations of decay, Death broke at once the vital chain, And freed his soul the nearest way.

On the death of Mr Levett, in James Boswell 'The Life of Samuel Johnson' (1791) vol. 4, p. 139 (20 January 1782)