1,509. Reform "It is difficult to reform a household gradually; it may be better done by a system totally new." Johnson: Letter to James Boswell Link 1,587. Reform "Why, Sir, most schemes of political improvement are very laughable things." Boswell: Life of Johnson Link 1,662. Reform "The progress of reformation is gradual and silent, as the extension of evening shadows; we know that they were short at noon, and are long at sunset, but our senses were not able to discern their increase: we know of every civil nation, that it was once savage, and how was it reclaimed but by a precept and admonition?" Johnson: Adventurer #137 (February 26, 1754) Link 1,663. Corruption; Reform "Mankind are universally corrupt, but corrupt in different degrees; as they are universally ignorant, yet with greater or lesser irradiations of knowledge. How has knowledge or virtue been increased and preserved in one place beyond another, but by diligent inculcation and rational inforcement?" Johnson: Adventurer #137 (February 26, 1754) Link 1,763. Reform "Reformation is seldom the work of pure virtue or unassisted reason." Johnson: Idler #69 (August 11, 1759) Link