Composition is for the most part an effort of slow diligence and steady perseverance, to which the mind is dragged by necessity or resolution, and from which the attention is every moment starting to more delightful amusements.
Interpretation
Composition requires consistent effort and focus, often at the expense of more enjoyable distractions.
In this quote, Samuel Johnson emphasizes that the process of composition, whether in writing or art, is predominantly driven by a resolute commitment and determination. It suggests that the creative endeavor is often fraught with challenges and that the mind is constantly tempted to stray toward easier and more pleasurable activities, underscoring the importance of diligence and perseverance in achieving mastery and producing meaningful work.
In practice
Using this quote in a writing workshop to motivate participants to stay focused on their projects.
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.
Self expression is the new entertainment, We never used to question why people sit on the couch for seven hours a day watching bad TV. Nobody ever asked, Why are they doing that for free? We need to celebrate [this desire to contribute for free] rather than question it.
I practiced drawing all the time and became very interested in it. If I was at a meeting that wasn't getting anywhere - like the one where Carl Rogers came to Caltech to discuss with us whether Caltech should develop a psychology department - I would draw the other people.
The mystery was gone but the amazement was just starting.
Every scene should be able to answer three questions: "Who wants what from whom? What happens if they don't get it? Why now?"
Almost every magazine piece I've ever written, I felt like I haven't done it justice, like it was just a gloss.
What is the main problem of the actor? It is to keep the audience awake, and not let them go to sleep, then wake up and go home feeling they've wasted their money.
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