Talk with Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson, often referred to as Dr. Johnson, (1709–1784) was an English writer, poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor, and lexicographer. He is perhaps best remembered for his monumental work "A Dictionary of the English Language," published in 1755, which set a standard for English dictionaries and was a huge scholarly achievement at the time. Johnson's dictionary was not the first English dictionary, but it was far more comprehensive than any predecessors and remained influential until the publication of the Oxford English Dictionary 150 years later.

Johnson was also a prominent figure in the English literary circle of the eighteenth century. His other notable works include "The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets," a collection of biographies and evaluations of 17th- and 18th-century poets, and "The Vanity of Human Wishes," a poem in which he uses the poetic form of a Juvenalian satire to moralize on the futility of worldly pursuits.

A frequent subject of biographers, Johnson's life story is particularly well-documented in James Boswell's "The Life of Samuel Johnson," which is considered one of the greatest biographies written in English. It offers rich insights not only into Johnson's life and character but also into the cultural and social milieu of 18th-century Britain. Johnson's own quotes and conversations, many retained by Boswell, reflect his wit and his complex views on humanity, making him a significant figure in English literary and cultural history.

Samuel Johnson tackled the monumental task of defining words in his "A Dictionary of the English Language," published in 1755, by adopting a systematic yet somewhat pragmatic approach. Johnson aimed not only to capture the essence of words but also their usage, nuances, and variations. Here’s how he went about it:

1. Collection of Sources: Johnson began by reading extensively across a broad spectrum of literature, particularly works by notable authors such as Shakespeare, Milton, and Dryden. He extracted usage examples and contexts for various words from these texts.

2. Word Selection: Unlike some modern dictionaries that strive for complete inclusiveness, Johnson selected words he deemed significant or commonly used during his time. He also included many technical and scientific terms that were emerging in the 18th century.

3. Defining Words: Johnson’s definitions are known for their precision and sometimes a touch of personal opinion and wit. He often provided multiple definitions to reflect different usages of a word.

4. Use of Quotations: To illustrate the use of words, Johnson often provided quotations from literary sources. These not only showed how a word was used but also lent authority to his definitions.

5. Arrangement: Words in Johnson’s dictionary were arranged alphabetically, a practice that was not yet universally adopted in dictionaries at the time. This made it more user-friendly and accessible.

6. Preface and Additional Features: His preface famously outlines his philosophy of language and lexicography. Johnson acknowledged the evolving nature of language and the challenges of capturing it in a definitive form.

Johnson’s dictionary, while not the first English dictionary, was influential due to its depth, usage examples, and the literary authority Johnson brought to the task. His work reflected both his scholarly rigor and his skill as a writer, making the dictionary a valuable resource for both understanding the English language and appreciating its literature.

Samuel Johnson had a complex view towards classical languages, notably Latin and Greek. He was deeply educated in the classics, having studied them extensively during his early education and at university. Johnson valued the precision, richness, and historical significance of classical languages, which is evident in his writings and his dictionary. He often incorporated Latin phrases into his writings and was known for his eloquence in using this language.

On the other hand, he was also critical of over-reliance on and pretentious use of Latin. Johnson believed that the English language was fully capable of expressing complex and refined ideas, and he was a strong proponent of developing English literature and language. His dictionary, while containing numerous citations from classical authors, was primarily an effort to standardize and enrich the English language, not to replace it with Latin.

In summary, while he respected and utilized classical languages, Johnson championed the use of English among scholars and writers, advocating for its ability to convey ideas effectively and beautifully without overdependence on ancient languages.

Samuel Johnson held a robust and articulate view on morality and ethics, deeply influenced by his Anglican faith and classical education. He believed in the inherent worth of moral righteousness and consistently advocated for virtue, both in his writings and personal conduct.

Johnson's views on morality can be broadly described as Christian moralism, centered on the virtues of honesty, integrity, and charity. He frequently emphasized the importance of moral duty and the impact of individual actions on society and one's character. In his moral essays, particularly in "The Rambler" and "The Idler," Johnson often explored themes related to morality, such as the temptations of vice, the challenges of leading a virtuous life, and the importance of repentance and self-improvement.

Moreover, Johnson saw a direct relationship between morality and happiness, arguing that a good life, in a moral sense, leads to a truly satisfying and fulfilling existence. He often criticized moral relativism, advocating instead for objective standards of right and wrong derived from natural law and divine instruction.

Overall, Johnson’s literary and personal engagements demonstrate a deep-seated commitment to understanding and practicing moral and ethical principles, reflecting his belief in their essential role in human life and society.

Samuel Johnson faced multiple health challenges throughout his life. From early childhood, he suffered from scrofula, a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes. The condition was so severe that it led to an operation that not only left him scarred but also might have affected his hearing and eyesight. Additionally, there is historical evidence suggesting that Johnson might have had Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics and vocalizations, which was not known or diagnosed during his time.

Throughout his adult life, Johnson also struggled with melancholia, now commonly referred to as depression. His journals and biographies, such as the one by James Boswell, frequently document his bouts of deep sadness and struggles with what he referred to as the "black dog," a term he used to describe his profound periods of gloom.

Moreover, Johnson was known to have poor eyesight and was quite corpulent in later years, which might have contributed to other physical discomforts and health issues. Despite these challenges, Johnson's intellectual productivity and contributions to literature, lexicography, and criticism were extraordinary.

Yes, Samuel Johnson had several interests beyond his literary pursuits. He was deeply engaged in reading and had an extensive knowledge of classical and English literature, which he frequently referenced in his works. Johnson also enjoyed attending plays, engaging in debates, and participating in intellectual discussions at various clubs and societies, most notably at The Literary Club, founded by his close friend Sir Joshua Reynolds.

Johnson had a passion for tea, which he drank copiously throughout the day, and he was known for his love of cats, most famously his cat Hodge, about whom he spoke affectionately. He was also interested in travel, as evidenced by his journey to the Scottish Highlands with James Boswell, which was later documented in Boswell's "Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides."

Additionally, Johnson's moral and philosophical reflections indicate a deep interest in religion and ethics, topics he explored extensively in both his writings and personal discussions. These activities and interests show a man deeply engaged with the world around him, not just as a writer but as a thinker and conversationalist.

Samuel Johnson, often referred to as Dr. Johnson, is known for his wit and pithy sayings. Here are some of his most famous quotes:

1. "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." - This quote is commonly interpreted as a criticism of those who use patriotism to justify dishonorable actions.

2. "Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance." - Highlighting the value of persistent efforts over raw power in achieving significant accomplishments.

3. "He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man." - Often interpreted as a comment on how people might degrade themselves to escape the burdens of moral and intellectual engagement.

4. "The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken." - This reflects on how habits develop subtly but eventually become deeply entrenched.

5. "A man who both spends and saves money is the happiest man, because he has both enjoyments." - This quote underscores the balance between thrift and expenditure for a fulfilling life.

6. "No man but a blockhead ever wrote except for money." - A somewhat humorous and practical view on the motivations behind writing.

7. "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." - A famous expression of Johnson's love for London, suggesting that it offers the ultimate in human experience.

These quotes encapsulate Johnson's sharp intellect and his ability to express complex ideas in a memorable way.

Samuel Johnson wrote "The Rambler," a series of essays, primarily out of financial necessity. He had set out to support himself as a writer in London, which was a challenging endeavor. The essays were published twice a week from 1750 to 1752 and provided Johnson with both a stable income during their publication and an outlet for his ethical and philosophical views.

"The Rambler" also allowed Johnson to explore and express his thoughts on various social, moral, and literary topics, which were interests of his, albeit often presented in an elevated prose style aimed at the contemporaneous educated readers. Through these essays, Johnson aimed to offer didactic lessons and insightful reflections on human nature, societal habits, and the complexities of moral life. He believed that literature should both entertain and morally improve the reader, a belief prominently reflected in his essays.

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