It is not indeed certain, that the most refined caution will find a proper time for bringing a man to the knowledge of his own failing, or the most zealous benevolence reconcile him to that judgment by which they are detected; but he who endeavours only the happiness of him whom he reproves will always have either the satisfaction of obtaining or deserving kindness; if he succeeds, he benefits his friend; and if he fails, he has at least the consciousness that he suffers for only doing well.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of approaching others' shortcomings with kindness and a genuine desire for their happiness.
Samuel Johnson's quote highlights that while it may be difficult to confront someone's flaws, doing so with genuine concern for their well-being leads to positive outcomes. The focus should be on their happiness, as this ensures that any feedback is given with goodwill, fostering understanding and kindness regardless of success or failure in the confrontation.
In practice
In a mentoring session where constructive feedback is necessary.
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.
Can I give them what they think they're going to get from me? That's always the big question.
Stop looking for peace. Give yourselves where you are. Stop looking at yourselves, look instead at your brothers and sisters in need. Ask how you can better love your brothers and sisters. Then you will find peace.
Be kind, for everyone is having a hard battle.
Wisdom and understanding can only become the possession of individual men by travelling the old road of observation, attention, perseverance, and industry.
When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don't really have to do anything, you just let them talk.
The empty vessel makes the loudest sound.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.