Quotes on Competition
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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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