I will venture to say there is more learning and science within the circumference of ten miles from where we now sit [in London], than in all the rest of the kingdom.
Interpretation
Knowledge and learning are abundant in the local environment, valuing proximity over distance.
In this quote, Samuel Johnson emphasizes the richness of knowledge and learning that can be found within a small geographical area, suggesting that the local environment is a treasure trove of information and experience. He points to the value of being aware of and engaging with one's immediate surroundings, implying that one does not need to travel far to access significant knowledge; instead, it can often be found right at home, highlighting the importance of local culture and education.
In practice
A teacher could use this quote to inspire students about the importance of local history.
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.
A book is a garden, a party, a company by the way.
As regards parents, I should like to see them as highly educated as possible, and I do not restrict this remark to fathers alone.
Children love and want to be loved and they very much prefer the joy of accomplishment to the triumph of hateful failure. Do not mistake a child for his symptom.
The man who never reads lives only one.
Only 50 years ago persons with intellectual disabilities were scorned, isolated and neglected. Today, they are able to attend school, become employed and assimilate into their local community.
American computer science grads often have very little exposure to the human condition. They've rarely had manual labor or service jobs. They grow up in a bubble of privilege lulled into thinking this country is a true meritocracy.
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