There are occasions on which it is noble to dare to stand alone. To be pious among infidels, to be disinterested in a time of general venality, to lead a life of virtue and reason in the midst of sensualists, is a proof of a mind intent on nobler things than the praise or blame of men, of a soul fixed in the contemplation of the highest good, and superiour to the tyranny of custom and example.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the value of maintaining personal integrity and virtue even when faced with societal pressures to conform.
Samuel Johnson's quote highlights the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs and values, even when it means going against the prevailing norms of society. It suggests that true nobility lies in the courage to uphold virtue and rational thought in the presence of moral decay and popular opinion. The ability to remain steadfast in the pursuit of what is good, despite external influences, is a mark of a superior mind and soul dedicated to higher ideals.
In practice
Using this quote in a speech about personal integrity and 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.
Between the difficulties, one hides the opportunity
Every time I say 'no' to a small temptation, I strengthen my will to say 'no' to a greater one.
It is good to vary in order that you may frustrate the curious, especially those who envy you.
Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather.
Learn to say, “I don’t know the answer.” It could be the beginning of a very good day’s rehearsal.
If you limit your actions in life to things that nobody can possibly find fault with, you will not do much!
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