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About this quote

What does it mean?
He was skilled at hating, suggesting he held strong negative opinions.
In plain terms
He was very good at hating people or things.
What can you take from it?
Strong opposition can define a person as much as their affections.

Where it applies

  • critics
  • opponents
  • observers

Putting it to work

  • understand opponents
  • manage emotions
  • study character

Questions to consider

  • Can hatred define character?
  • Is opposition valuable?

Another view

Being good at hating is not necessarily a positive trait.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. If the man who turnips cries, Cry not when his father dies, 'Tis a proof that he had rather Have a turnip than his father.

    Permalink to quote #102

  2. The law is the last result of human wisdom acting upon human experience for the benefit of the public.

    Permalink to quote #104

  3. There is in this world no real delight (excepting those of sensuality), but exchange of ideas in conversation.

    Permalink to quote #101

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