Milton, Madam, was a genius that could cut a Colossus from a rock; but could not carve heads upon cherry-stones.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the distinction between great artistic talent and the ability to execute trivial tasks.
Samuel Johnson uses this quote to illustrate the dichotomy between the vast potential of a genius like Milton, who could create monumental works of art, yet struggled with more delicate or trivial tasks, symbolized by carving heads on cherry-stones. This reflects the idea that true genius may excel in grand endeavors but may not always be adept at simpler, more mundane activities.
In practice
This quote could be referenced in a discussion about the nature of artistic talent in a classroom setting.
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.
I've been imitated so well I've heard people copy my mistakes.
You hear it said time and time again by successful directors: You have to make a movie for yourself. Don't make it for anyone else.
Traditionally art is to create and not to revive. To revive: leave that to the historians, who are looking backward.
I am a professional sportswriter, among other things, and I take the games seriously. It is only one of my many powerful addictions, and I don't mind admitting any of them.
I just wrote one song at a time. Kinda like an alcoholic. One day at a time.
Artists can have greater access to reality; they can see patterns and details and connections that other people, distracted by the blur of life, might miss. Just sharing that truth can be a very powerful thing.
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