Other related topics at:
The Whole Truth
1,335. Bias;
Poverty; Quality
"No complaint has been more frequently repeated in all ages than
that of the neglect of merit associated with poverty, and the
difficulty with which valuable or pleasing qualities force
themselves into view, when they are obscured by indigence. It
has long been observed, that native beauty has little power
to charm without the ornaments which fortune bestows, and
that to want the favour of others is often sufficient to
hinder us from obtaining it."
Johnson: Rambler #166 (October 19, 1751)
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1,336. Bias; Class; Poverty;
Wealth
"The eye of wealth is elevated towards higher stations, and
seldom descends to examine the actions of those who are placed
below the level of its notice, and who in distant regions and
lower situations are struggling with distress, or toiling for
bread. Among the multitudes overwhelmed with insuperable
calamity, it is common to find those whom a very little
assistance would enable to support themselves with decency, and
who yet cannot obtain from near relations what they see
hourly lavished in ostentation, luxury, or frolic."
Johnson: Rambler #166 (October 19, 1751)
Link
1,337. Bias; First Impressions
"Few have strength of reason to overrule the perceptions of
sense, and yet fewer have curiosity or benevolence to struggle
long against the first impression: he who therefore fails to
please in his salutation and address is at once rejected, and
never obtains an opportunity of showing his latest excellences or
essential qualities."
Johnson: Rambler #166 (October 19, 1751)
Link
1,340. Bias
"Instead of rating the man by his performances, we rate too
frequently the performances by the man."
Johnson: Rambler #166 (October 19, 1751)
Link
1,342. Bias; Nurturing
"We must learn how to separate the real character from extraneous
adhesions and casual circumstances, to consider closely him whom
we are about to adopt or reject; to regard his inclinations as
well as his actions; to trace out those virtues which lie torpid
in the heart for want of opportunity, and those vices that lurk
unseen by the absence of temptation; that when we find worth
faintly shooting in the shades of obscurity, we may let in light
and sunshine upon it, and ripen barren volition into efficacy and
power."
Johnson: Rambler #166 (October 19, 1751)
Link
1,343. Bias; Truth
"Every man, however profound or abstracted, perceives himself
irresistibly alienated by low terms; they who profess the most
zealous adherence to truth are forced to admit that she owes
part of her charms to her ornaments; and loses much of her power
over the soul, when she appears disgraced by a dress uncouth or
ill adjusted."
Johnson: Rambler #168 (October 26, 1751)
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