Confidence is a plant of slow growth; especially in an aged bosom
Interpretation
Confidence takes time to develop, particularly in older individuals.
This quote by Samuel Johnson suggests that confidence is not something that can be acquired quickly; rather, it requires time and experience to cultivate, especially in older people who may have become more reserved or skeptical due to past experiences. It highlights the notion that personal growth and self-assurance often come gradually, as one engages with life's challenges and learns about themselves.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming self-doubt.
To be of no church is dangerous. Religion, of which the rewards are distant, and which is animated only by faith and hope, will glide by degrees out of the mind unless it be invigorated and reimpressed by external ordinances, by stated calls to worship, and the salutary influence of example.
He that reads and grows no wiser seldom suspects his own deficiency, but complains of hard words and obscure sentences, and asks why books are written which cannot be understood.
To let friendship die away by negligence and silence is certainly not wise. It is voluntarily to throw away one of the greatest comforts of the weary pilgrimage.
Fly-fishing may be a very pleasant amusement; but angling or float fishing I can only compare to a stick and a string, with a worm at one end and a fool at the other.
When any anxiety or gloom of the mind takes hold of you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaining; but exert yourselves to hide it, and by endeavoring to hide it you drive it away.
A fishing rod is a stick with a hook at one end and a fool at the other.
Never lose hope, my heart, miracles dwell in the invisible. If the whole world turns against you keep your eyes on the Friend.
Example acquires tenfold authority when it speaks from the grave.
People with a high level of personal mastery are able to consistently realize the results that matter most deeply to them-in effect, they approach their life as an artist would approach a work of art. The do that by becoming committed to their own lifelong learning.
Do not bite at the bait of pleasure, till you know there is no hook beneath it.
The greatest minds, as they are capable of the highest excellencies, are open likewise to the greatest aberrations; and those who travel very slowly may yet make far greater progress, provided they keep always to the straight road, than those who, while they run, forsake it.
I do take my work seriously and the way to do that is not to take yourself too seriously.
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