Who said “Melancholy, indeed, should be diverted by every means but drinking.”?

Verified

Samuel Johnson. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceLife of Johnson (Boswell), (1776)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Life of Johnson (Boswell), (1776).

APA

Johnson, S. (n.d.). Melancholy, indeed, should be diverted by every means but drinking. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/17226-melancholy-indeed-should-be-diverted-by-every-means/

MLA

Johnson, Samuel. “Melancholy, indeed, should be diverted by every means but drinking.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/17226-melancholy-indeed-should-be-diverted-by-every-means/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Johnson, Samuel. “Melancholy, indeed, should be diverted by every means but drinking.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/17226-melancholy-indeed-should-be-diverted-by-every-means/.

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— Henri Frederic Amiel
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