“They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings steal a little and they throw you in jail. Steal a lot and then they make you king.”

Song lyrics, Infidels (1983), Sweetheart Like You

April 7, 1775, p. 253
Boswell's full mention of this statement reads:
: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.
Life of Samuel Johnson (1791), Vol II

Source: Rigante series, Stormrider, Ch. 5

Source: Last Sacrifice

" O, Synecdoche, my Synecdoche! http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2008/11/o_synecdoche_my_synecdoche.html," (10 November 2008)
Context: I was instructed long ago by a wise editor, "If you understand something you can explain it so that almost anyone can understand it. If you don't, you won't be able to understand your own explanation." That is why 90% of academic film theory is bullshit. Jargon is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

On polls showing that many Americans would support a restriction of free speech especially if against speech held to be unpatriotic, in a speech to the Society of Professional Journalists (11 September 2004)

"Family Values," The Worst Years of Our Lives: Irreverent Notes from a Decade of Greed (1991)

Source: Last Sacrifice

As quoted in Tesla : The Modern Sorcerer (1999) by Daniel Blair Stewart, p. 411.
Date unknown
Variant: Everyone steals in commerce and industry. I have stolen a lot myself. But at least I know how to steal.