I was strong in English, and thankful for it. I knew the…
““I was strong in English, and thankful for it. I knew the great Dr. Johnson from his friend Mr. Boswell. There is a friend for you. To sit down and rack the brain to remember every word, and then the glad toil to write it all down. I am thankful to Mr. Boswell for many a peaceful hour, indeed. There is a marvel, hundreds of years after the spirit has gone to new life, that men will bless a name that once had flesh, and laughed, and had good food, and loved to hear good talk. But the great Dr. Johnson was one in a century, and I count myself honoured to have tasted the wine of his speech, even though put to my mouth through the goodness of his friend. For that Englishman is not to be read with the eyes alone, but read out, as with the Word, with a good voice, and a rolling of the tongue, so that the rich taste of magnificent English may come to the ears and go to the head, like the perfumes of the Magi, or like the best of beer, home brewed and long in the cask.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Celebrates oral tradition and the joy of spoken language over silent reading
In simple terms: Reading aloud enhances understanding and pleasure
Key Takeaway
Share and savor language aloud with others
Themes
literature
orality
communication
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- classroom reading
- public speaking
- podcast narration
- storytelling events
Key Concepts
rhetoric
cultural transmission
Questions to Reflect On
- How does speaking a text change its impact?
- What role does voice play in preserving culture?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the value of silent, reflective reading