Every one should consider himself as intrusted not only with his own conduct, but with that of others; and as accountable, not only for the duties which he neglects, or the crimes that he commits, but for that negligence and irregularity which he may encourage or inculcate. Every man, in whatever station, has, or endeavours to have his followers, admirers, and imitators, and has therefore the influence of his example to watch with care.
Interpretation
We are responsible not only for our actions but also for the impact they have on others.
In this quote, Samuel Johnson emphasizes the importance of being aware of our influence on others. He suggests that every individual holds a responsibility not just for their own behavior but also for the potential effects their actions may have on those around them. By acknowledging that we can inspire or guide others through our example, he urges individuals to act with integrity and mindfulness in their conduct, as we inevitably affect the lives and choices of others.
In practice
In a motivational speech to encourage accountability in leadership.
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.
Don't show off every day, or you'll stop surprising people. There must always be some novelty left over. The person who displays a little more of it each day keeps up expectations, and no one ever discovers the limits of his talent.
Republics, one after another . . . have perished from a want of intelligence and virtue in the masses of the people. . . .
Doing an injury puts you below your enemy; revenging one make you but even with him; forgiving it sets you above him.
Old men delight in giving good advice as a consolation for the fact that they can no longer set bad examples.
I'm much more creative when I've actually taken care of myself.
Individuals who were submerged in reality, merely feeling their needs, emerge from reality and perceive the causes of their needs.
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