No man was ever great by imitation.
Interpretation
Originality and authenticity are key to true greatness.
This quote by Samuel Johnson emphasizes that true greatness cannot be achieved through mere imitation of others. Instead, it suggests that individuals must embrace their unique qualities and think for themselves to truly stand out and make a significant impact. Greatness is found in originality, creativity, and the courage to forge oneβs own path rather than simply copying those who came before.
In practice
In a motivational speech about pursuing one's unique talents.
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.
So many gods, so many creeds, so many paths that wind and wind while just the art of being kind is all the sad world needs.
Only as a warrior can one withstand the path of knowledge. A warrior cannot complain or regret anything. His life is an endless challenge, and challenges cannot possibly be good or bad. Challenges are simply challenges.
What is behind your eyes holds more power than what is in front of them.
My friend, be not like him who sits by his fireside and watches the fire go out, then blows vainly upon the dead ashes. Do not give up hope or yield to despair because of that which is past, for to bewail the irretrievable is the worst of human frailties.
I think humility - which I think is a very good value to adopt - is basically an extension of understanding your own ignorance.
Does he council you better who bids you, Money, by right means, if you can: but by any means, make money ?
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