Quote by Samuel Johnson

Johnson observed, that he did not care to speak ill of any man behind his back, but he believed the gentleman was an attorney.

Johnson observed, that he did not care to speak ill of any m

Summary

In this quote, likely attributed to Samuel Johnson, the speaker expresses a principle of not wanting to speak negatively about others when they are not present. However, the speaker makes an exception for individuals in the legal profession, surmising that the gentleman being referred to is an attorney. The quote hints at the stereotype or common perception that attorneys may engage in behavior worthy of criticism, which aligns with the comedian Stephen Merchant's quip: "No offense to my lawyer friends, but lawyers behave, on many occasions, like brilliant idiots."

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By Samuel Johnson

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