Art Quote by Samuel Johnson
““The chief advantage which these fictions have over real life is, that their authors are at liberty, though not to invent, yet to select objects, and to cull from the mass of mankind, those individuals upon which the attention ought most to be employed; as a diamond, though it cannot be made, may be polished by art, and placed in such a situation, as to display that luster which before was buried among common stones.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1759
Johnson argues that fictional characters let writers highlight exemplary traits by selecting individuals from society, like a diamond polished and displayed.
In simple terms: Fiction lets authors showcase ideal traits by choosing people.
Key Takeaway
Use stories to illustrate virtues.
Themes
literature
selection
exemplars
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- teaching
- public speaking
- writing workshops
Key Concepts
human nature
idealism
representation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you choose role models in narratives?
- What traits are most overlooked in everyday life?
A Different Perspective
Fiction may oversimplify complex realities.
