Men who have flattered themselves into this opinion of their own abilities, look down on all who waste their lives over books, as a race of inferior beings condemned by nature to perpetual pupilage, and fruitlessly endeavouring to remedy their barrenness by incessant cultivation, or succour their feebleness by subsidiary strength. They presume that none would be more industrious than they, if they were not more sensible of deficiences; and readily conclude, that he who places no confidence in his own powers owes his modesty only to his weakness. ✨ Samuel Johnson (1823). The Works of Samuel Johnson: LL.D. A New Edition in Twelve Volumes. With an Essay on His Life and Genius, by Arthur Murphy, Esq, p.83
More Author Quotes
- All the arguments which are brought to represent poverty as no evil show it evidently to be a great evil. ✨ In James Boswell 'The Life of Samuel Johnson' (1791) vol. 1, p. 441 (20July 1763)
- There are few ways in which a man can be more innocently employed than in getting money. ✨ In James Boswell 'The Life of Samuel Johnson' (1791) vol. 2, p. 323 (27 March 1775)
- Evil is uncertain in the same degree as good, and for the reason that we ought not to hope too securely, we ought not to fear with to much dejection. ✨ Samuel Johnson, Elizabeth Carter, Samuel Richar … ▶
- Men have solicitude about fame; and the greater share they have of it, the more afraid they are of losing it. ✨ James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, Edmond Malone (1824). The life of Samuel Johnson, LL. D. … ▶
- Cunning has effect from the credulity of others, rather than from the abilities of those who are cunning. It requires no extraordinary talents to lie and deceive. ✨ James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, Rob … ▶
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