1,129. Knowledge; Speculation "The speculatist, who is not content with superficial views, harasses himself with fruitless curiosity; and still, as he inquires more, perceives only that he knows less." Johnson: Idler #32 (November 25, 1752) Link 1,483. Planning; Speculation; Vision   Such is the pleasure of projecting that many content themselves with a succession of visionary schemes, and wear out their allotted time in the calm amusement of contriving what they never attempt or hope to execute.   Others, not able to feast their imagination with pure ideas, advance somewhat nearer to the grossness of action, with great diligence collect whatever is requisite to their design, and after a thousand researches and consultations, are snatched away by death, as they stand in procinctu waiting for a proper oppurtunity to begin. Johnson: Rambler #207 (March 10, 1752) Link 1,501. Implementation; Speculation; Vision "It is well known, that many things appear plausible in speculation, which can never be reduced to practice; and that of the numberless projects that have flattered mankind with theoretical speciousness, few have served any other purpose than to show the ingenuity of their contrivers." Johnson: Adventurer #45 (March 27, 1753) Link 1,675. Speculation "The great differences that disturb the peace of mankind are not about ends, but means. We have all the same general desires; but how those desires shall be accomplished will for ever be disputed. The ultimate purpose of government is temporal, and that of religion is eternal, happiness. Hitherto we agree; but here we must part, to try, according to the endless varieties of passion and understanding combined with one another, every possible form of government, and every imaginable tenet of religion." Johnson: Idler #36 (December 23, 1758) Link 1,836. Speculation "When speculation has done its worst, two and two still make four." Johnson: Idler #36 (December 23, 1753) Link