Who among the following observed that “Nothing can please many, and please long, but representations of general nature”?

The correct option is Samuel Johnson.

This famous observation is made by the renowned 18th-century English critic, lexicographer, and writer Dr. Samuel Johnson in his seminal work of literary criticism, Preface to Shakespeare (1765).

In the essay, Johnson evaluates the enduring appeal of William Shakespeare's plays. He argues that Shakespeare is a "poet of nature" whose characters are not restricted by local customs or temporary fashions. Instead, Shakespeare depicts universal human passions, principles, and behaviors that are common to all humanity across different ages and cultures.
To explain this endurance, Johnson writes the celebrated line:
"Nothing can please many, and please long, but representations of general nature. Particular manners can be known to few, and therefore few only can judge how nearly they are copied."

According to Johnson's neoclassical critical framework, great literature must move beyond the particular, idiosyncratic, or temporary details of a specific time and place. By focusing on "general nature"—the enduring truths of human experience—a writer ensures that their work remains relatable, instructional, and pleasurable to readers of any generation.