The greater, far the greater number of those who rave and rail, and inquire and accuse, neither suspect nor fear, nor care for the publick; but hope to force their way to riches, by virulence and invective, and are vehement and clamorous, only that they may be sooner hired to be silent.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Many vocal critics seek personal gain, not public good, and are silenced once paid.
- In plain terms
- Some loud critics are motivated by profit, not patriotism.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of those who trade protest for money.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How to differentiate genuine critique from self‑interest?
- What safeguards protect honest dissent?
Another view
Not all vocal critics are insincere; some genuinely aim to improve society.
More from Samuel Johnson
Some claim a place in the list of patriots, by an acrimonious and unremitting opposition to the court. This mark is by no means infallible. Patriotism is not n…
Permalink to quote #90 A man sometimes starts up a patriot, only by disseminating discontent, and propagating reports of secret influence, of dangerous counsels, of violated rights, …
Permalink to quote #92 Let us take a patriot, where we can meet him; and, that we may not flatter ourselves by false appearances, distinguish those marks which are certain, from thos…
Permalink to quote #89
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