Back to Boswell's Life of Johnson: Abridged and edited, with an introduction by Charles Grosvenor Osgood
From "Boswell's Life of Johnson: Abridged and edited, with an introduction by Charles Grosvenor Osgood" by Boswell, James
Samuel Johnson
Central figure, a renowned lexicographer, critic, essayist, biographer, and conversationalist.
Core Belief
"Reverence for religion, subordination, and truth. Insists on the rights and dignity of the individual, combined with the necessity of reverence and submission."
Worldview
Sees the world as a place of struggle and imperfection, yet with the potential for noble qualities in humanity. Believes in the importance of learning, morality, and social order.
Personality
Dominating, opinionated, intellectually powerful, with a deep sense of morality and a lively, though sometimes harsh, wit. Prone to melancholy but capable of great kindness.
In Their Own Words
"Sir, I look upon every day lost in which I do not make a new acquaintance."
"Sir, there is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern."
"Clear your mind of cant; . . . don't THINK foolishly."
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