Samuel Johnson (Wikipedia.org)
“Patriotism having become one of our topicks, Johnson suddenly uttered, in a strong determined tone, an apophthegm, at which many will start: «Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.» But let it be considered, that he did not mean a real and generous love of our country, but that pretended patriotism which so many, in all ages and countries, have made a cloak of self-interest.”
–.James Boswell, Edmond Malone. Life of Samuel Johnson, LL. D. J. Sharpe, 1830. p.269
Samuel Johnson, often called Dr Johnson (September 18, 1709 – December 13, 1784), was an English writer who made lasting contributions as a poet, playwright, essayist, moralist, literary critic, sermonist, biographer, editor, and lexicographer. Wikipedia
James Boswell (Wikipedia.org)
James Boswell, 9th Laird of Auchinleck (October 29, 1740 – May 19, 1795), was a Scottish biographer, diarist, and lawyer, born in Edinburgh. He is best known for his biography of the English writer Samuel Johnson, Life of Samuel Johnson, which is commonly said to be the greatest biography written in the English language. Wikipedia
