Searching through old email of mine looking for information on a current problem, I ran across a quote I used to have in my email signature:

The worst criminals should be neither executed nor sentenced to forced labor, but should be condemned to compile dictionaries, because all the tortures are included in the work.

Wow. Lexicography isn't easy but that's a little harsh. Wish I had some context on that. The best I can find is this:

There can be no doubt that lexicography is a very difficult sphere of linguistic activity. Many lexicographers have given vent to their feelings in this respect. Perhaps the most colourful of these opinions based on a lexicographer's long experience is that of J.J Scaliger (16th-17th cent.) who says in fine Latin verses that the worst criminals should neither be executed nor sentenced to forced labour, but should be condemned to compile dictionaries, because all the tortures are included in this work. — LADISLAV ZGUSTA Manual of Lexicography (1971)

This is found on p. 5 of "CELEX: A Guide for Users". I have no idea what "CELEX" is, though.

I found the quote on this page as well. I don't know Chinese, but I also see a quote from Samuel Johnson, so the page has got to be good. Here's the Johnson quote:

Every other author may aspire to praise; the lexicographer can only hope to escape reproach ...

And, since we're on the topic of lexicographers and quoteable quotes, I'll end with a favorite quote from Frederick W. Danker:

Change spells pain, but ... scholar's tasks are "not for sissies"