Attention Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Works of imagination excel by their allurement and delight; by their power of attracting and detaining the attention. That book is good in vain which the reader throws away. He only is the master who keeps the mind in pleasing captivity; whose pages are perused with eagerness, and in hope of new pleasure are perused again; and whose conclusion is perceived with an eye of sorrow, such as the traveller casts upon departing day.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Rambler, 1750s
Books captivate when they delight and hold attention; a good book is one the reader returns to, feeling both pleasure and melancholy at its end.
In simple terms: Engaging books keep readers eager and reflective.
Key Takeaway
Seek books that both entertain and provoke thought.
Themes
literature
attention
reflection
Mood
contemplative
inspired
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- education
- leisure reading
- book clubs
Key Concepts
aesthetic pleasure
psychology of reading
Questions to Reflect On
- What books have you reread for deeper meaning?
- How does a book’s ending affect your overall experience?
A Different Perspective
A book may entertain but lack depth, limiting lasting impact.
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