931. Competition; Factions
"Learning confers so much superiority
on those who possess it,
that they might probably have escaped all censure had they been
able to agree among themselves; but as envy and competition have
divided the republic of letters into factions, they have
neglected the common interest; each has called in foreign aid,
and endeavoured to strengthen his own cause by the frown of
power, the hiss of ignorance, and the clamour of popularity.
They have all engaged in feuds, till by mutual hostilities they
demolished those outworks which veneration had raised for their
security, and exposed themselves to barbarians, by whom every
region of science is laid waste."
Johnson: Rambler #83 (January 1, 1751)
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1,514. Academia; Beauty;
Competition
"The friendship of students and of beauties is for the most part
equally sincere, and equally durable: as both depend for
happiness on the regard of others, on that which the value arises
merely from comparison, they are both exposed to perpetual
jealousies, and both incessantly employed in schemes to intercept
the praises of each other."
Johnson: Adventurer #45 (March 27, 1753)
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1,515. Competition
"Neighbourhood, where it does not conciliate friendship, incites
competition."
Johnson: Adventurer #45 (March 27, 1753)
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1,788. Competition; Satisfaction
"The supernumerary hours have indeed a great variety both of
pleasure and pain. The stranger, gazed on by multitudes at her
first appearance in the Park, is perhaps on the highest summit of
female happiness; but how great is the anguish when the novelty
of another face draws her worshippers away! The heart may leap
for a time under a fine gown; but the sight of a gown yet
finer puts an end to rapture."
Johnson: Idler #80 (October 27, 1759)
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