They whose activity of imagination is often shifting the scenes of expectation, are frequently subject to such sallies of caprice as make all their actions fortuitous, destroy the value of their friendship, obstruct the efficacy of their virtues, and set them below the meanest of those who persist in their resolutions, execute what they design, and perform what they have promised.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that those who constantly change their expectations and plans might undermine their friendships and virtues, while those who are steadfast in their commitments will achieve more.
In this profound reflection by Samuel Johnson, he warns against the pitfalls of capriciousness and the dangers of an unstable imagination. Individuals who are often swayed by shifting expectations may find their actions lacking direction and purpose, which ultimately diminishes the quality of their friendships and the power of their principles. In contrast, those who remain resolute and follow through with their commitments are rewarded with greater integrity and achievement, highlighting the importance of persistence and consistency in one’s character and relationships.
In practice
In a motivational speech about the importance of commitment over whims.
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 fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure, unless built upon truth and justice, therefore, I will engage in no transaction which does not benefit all whom it affects.
By nature I am curious about life, and this extends to my business.
It just doesn't make any sense for someone to say, 'Is there room for people who support the state of Israel and do not criticize it in the movement?' There can't be in feminism. You either stand up for the rights of all women, including Palestinians, or none. There's just no way around it.
Belief is with them mechanical, voluntary: they believe what they are paid for - they swear to that which turns to account. Do you suppose, that after years spent in this manner, they have any feeling left answering to the difference between truth and falsehood?
If God should desire to raise us to the position of one who is an intimate and shares his secrets, we ought to accept this gladly.
Laws without morals are in vain.
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