1,321. Individuality
"None but those who have learned the art of subjecting their
senses as well as reason to hypothetical systems can be persuaded
by the most specious rhetorician that the lots of life are equal;
yet it cannot be denied that every one has his peculiar
pleasures and vexations, that external accidents operate
variously upon different minds, and that no man can exactly judge
from his own sensations what another would feel in the same
circumstances."
Johnson: Rambler #128 (June 8, 1751)
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1,655. Individuality
"Singularity is, I think, in its own nature universally and
invariably displeasing. In whatever respect a man differs from
others, he must be considered by them as either worse or
better: by being better, it is well known that a man gains
admiration oftener than love, since all approbation of his
practice must necessarily condemn him that gives it; and
though a man often pleases by his inferiority, there are few
who desire to give such pleasure. Yet the truth is, that
singularity is almost always regarded as a brand of slight
reproach; and where it is associated with acknowledged merit,
serves as an abatement or an allay of excellence, by which weak
eyes are reconciled to its lustre, and by which, though
kindness is not gained, at least envy is averted."
Johnson: Adventurer #131 (February 5, 1754)
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1,656. Arrogance; Individuality
"All violation of established practice implies in its own nature
a rejection of the common opinion, a defiance of common censure,
and an appeal from general laws to private judgment: he,
therefore, who differs form others without apparent advantage,
ought not to be angry if his arrogance is punished with ridicule;
if those whose example he superciliously overlooks, point him out
to derision, and hoot him back again into the common road."
Johnson: Adventurer #131 (February 5, 1754)
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1,657. Integrity; Individuality;
Virtue
"There are occasions on which it is noble to dare to stand alone.
To be pious among infidels, to be disinterested in a time of
general venality, to lead a life of virtue and reason in the
midst of sensualists, is a proof of a mind intent on nobler
things than the praise or blame of men, of a soul fixed in the
contemplation of the highest good, and superiour to the tyranny
of custom and example."
Johnson: Adventurer #131 (February 5, 1754)
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1,676. Individuality
To find the nearest way from truth to truth, or from purpose
to effect, not to use more instruments where fewer will be
sufficient, not to move by wheels and levers what will give way
to the naked hand, is the great proof of a healthful and vigorous
mind, neither feeble with helpless ignorance, nor
over-burdened with unwieldy knowledge.
But there are men who seem to think nothing so much the
characteristick of a genius, as to do common things in an
uncommon manner; like Hudibras, to tell the clock by
algebra; or like the lady in Dr. Young's satires, to drink
tea by stratagem; to quit the beaten track only because it
is known, and take a new path, however crooked or rough, because
the straight was found out before.
Johnson: Idler #36 (December 23, 1758)
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