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The ambition of superior sensibility and superior…

“The ambition of superior sensibility and superior eloquence disposes the lovers of arts to receive rapture at one time, and communicate it at another; and each labors first to impose upon himself and then to propagate the imposture.” quote by Samuel Johnson
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“The ambition of superior sensibility and superior eloquence disposes the lovers of arts to receive rapture at one time, and communicate it at another; and each labors first to impose upon himself and then to propagate the imposture.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

High artistic ambition can lead to pretentiousness, forcing creators to impose false grandeur and then spread it.

In simple terms: Ambition can become pretentious.

Key Takeaway

Beware of false grandeur in art.

Themes

art pretension authenticity

Mood

critical analytical reflective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • publishing
  • performance art
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

philosophy literature creativity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance ambition with humility?
  • When does art become self‑indulgent?
A Different Perspective

Genuine expression may be stifled by ego.

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