False taste is always busy to mislead those that are entering upon the regions of learning; and the traveller, uncertain of his way, and forsaken by the sun, will be pleased to see a fainter orb arise on the horizon, that may rescue him from total darkness, though with weak and borrowed lustre.
Interpretation
The quote warns that incorrect judgments can easily misguide those new to learning, but even a little guidance can help them find their way.
Samuel Johnson's quote illustrates the challenges faced by those pursuing knowledge, particularly the risk of being misguided by false understandings. It emphasizes that in moments of uncertainty and confusion, even a small source of light—symbolizing guidance or inspiration—can provide hope and direction, helping individuals navigate through the complexities of learning despite its imperfections.
In practice
In a speech addressing new students, one might say, 'Remember, as Samuel Johnson pointed out, even a small amount of guidance can light your path in learning.'
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.
Don't be an examiner, be the interested inquirer.
Education is preparation to live completely.
When a child shows up for school, and is not physically and mentally ready to learn, he or she never catches up.
Every maker of video games knows something that the makers of curriculum don't seem to understand. You'll never see a video game being advertised as being easy. Kids who do not like school will tell you it's not because it's too hard. It's because it's--boring
I've said so often to pastors, if your sermon can't get out of your zip code throw it away. It has to be transcendent. If it can't be translated into another language then it's not a right reflection of the word of God.
One thing we know for sure is that the Web is a collaborative medium unlike any we've ever had before. We see people working together, playing together, interacting in social settings using these media. We hope that will emerge as the new tool for education.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.