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About this quote

What does it mean?
The subject appears naturally dull, but his current state is the result of deliberate effort.
In plain terms
He is naturally dull, but he worked hard to become this stupid.
What can you take from it?
Stupidity can be cultivated through effort.

Where it applies

  • judging someone's intelligence
  • observing behavior
  • critiquing self-improvement

Putting it to work

  • analyzing character flaws
  • questioning natural traits

Questions to consider

  • Can intelligence be unlearned?
  • How much effort defines character?

Another view

It assumes stupidity is a choice rather than a lack of capacity.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. I remember very well, when I was at Oxford, an old gentleman said to me, 'Young man, ply your book diligently now, and acquire a stock of knowledge; for when y…

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  2. A woman's preaching is like a dog's walking on his hinder legs. It is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all.

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  3. But if he does really think that there is no distinction between virtue and vice, why, Sir, when he leaves our houses let us count our spoons.

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