Nature Quote by Samuel Johnson
““That this is a practice contrary to the rules of criticism will be readily allowed; but there is always an appeal open from criticism to nature. The end of writing is to instruct; the end of poetry is to instruct by pleasing. That the mingled drama may convey all the instruction of tragedy or comedy cannot be denied, because it includes both in its alterations of exhibition, and approaches nearer than either to the appearance of life, by shewing how great machinations and slender designs may promote or obviate one another, and the high and the low co-operate in the general system by unavoidable concatenation.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1750
Writing should teach and delight; poetry blends instruction with pleasure, showing life’s complexities through drama.
In simple terms: Writing teaches and entertains; poetry shows life’s drama.
Key Takeaway
Create works that both inform and please.
Themes
instruction
pleasure
drama
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching
- creative writing
- public speaking
- media production
Key Concepts
literary theory
poetics
didacticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can writers balance didactic goals with artistic expression?
- What role does pleasure play in effective teaching?
A Different Perspective
Risk of prioritizing instruction over artistic freedom.
