Greek, sir, is like lace; every man gets as much of it as he can.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He compares Greek education to lace, suggesting people acquire as much learning as they can afford or access.
- In plain terms
- People learn Greek in whatever amounts they can manage.
- What can you take from it?
- Education is often taken based on personal means or desire.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much learning can you afford?
- Is knowledge a luxury?
Another view
Not all education should be limited by resources.
More from Samuel Johnson
A Frenchman must be always talking, whether he knows anything of the matter or not; an Englishman is content to say nothing, when he has nothing to say.
Permalink to quote #177 No man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, or more wise when he had.
Permalink to quote #179 If you are idle, be not solitary; if you are solitary, be not idle.
Permalink to quote #176
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