Johnson observed, that 'he did not care to speak ill of any man behind his back, but he believed the gentleman was an attorney.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He avoids badmouthing others but implies their profession reveals their character.
- In plain terms
- He does not speak ill of others but implies being an attorney is bad.
- What can you take from it?
- Profession can imply character.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do professions define character?
- How do we judge others?
Another view
It relies on negative stereotypes about professions.
More from Samuel Johnson
That fellow seems to me to possess but one idea, and that is a wrong one.
Permalink to quote #134 A gentleman who had been very unhappy in marriage, married immediately after his wife died: Johnson said, it was the triumph of hope over experience.
Permalink to quote #136 It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives. The act of dying is not of importance, it lasts so short a time.
Permalink to quote #133
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