Name: The Idler, No. 8
Author: Samuel Johnson

Quotes from The Idler, No. 8 (Samuel Johnson)

“ I cannot pretend to inform our generals through what gradations of danger they should train their men to fortitude. They best know what the soldiers and what themselves can bear. It will be proper that the war should every day vary its appearance. Sometimes, as they mount the rampart, a cook may throw fat upon the fire, to accustom them to a sudden blaze; and sometimes, by the clatter of empty pots, they may be inured to formidable noises. But let it never be forgotten, that victory must repose with a full belly. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Samuel Johnson, The Idler, No. 8

“ That the savage clamours of naked barbarians should thus terrify troops disciplined to war, and ranged in array with arms in their hands, is surely strange. But this is no time to reason. I am of opinion, that by a proper mixture of asses, bulls, turkeys, geese, and tragedians, a noise might be procured equally horrid with the war-cry. When our men have been encouraged by frequent victories, nothing will remain but to qualify them for extreme danger, by a sudden concert of terrifick vociferation. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Samuel Johnson, The Idler, No. 8

“ In a battle, every man should fight as if he was the single champion; in preparations for war, every man should think, as if the last event depended on his counsel. None can tell what discoveries are within his reach, or how much he may contribute to the publick safety. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Samuel Johnson, The Idler, No. 8

“ In the time of publick danger, it is every man's duty to withdraw his thoughts in some measure from his private interest, and employ part of his time for the general welfare. National conduct ought to be the result of national wisdom, a plan formed by mature consideration and diligent selection out of all the schemes which may be offered, and all the information which can be procured. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Samuel Johnson, The Idler, No. 8

“ But it has been lately observed, that fear is received by the ear as well as the eyes; and the Indian war-cry is represented as too dreadful to be endured; as a sound that will force the bravest veteran to drop his weapon, and desert his rank ”

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Source: Wikisource

Samuel Johnson, The Idler, No. 8

“ Full of these considerations, I have carefully reviewed the process of the war, and find, what every other man has found, that we have hitherto added nothing to our military reputation: that at one time we have been beaten by enemies whom we did not see ”

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Source: Wikisource

Samuel Johnson, The Idler, No. 8

“ At their first appearance their hands must be tied, but they may be allowed to grin. In a month they may guard the place with their hands loosed, provided that on pain of death they be forbidden to strike. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Samuel Johnson, The Idler, No. 8

“ Whether our troops are defective in discipline or in courage, is not very useful to inquire; they evidently want something necessary to success; and he that shall supply that want will deserve well of his country. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Samuel Johnson, The Idler, No. 8

“ Contrive that they may approach the place fasting about an hour after dinner-time, assure them that there is no danger, and command an attack.
If nobody within either moves or speaks, it is not unlikely that they may carry the place by storm ”

Samuel Johnson

Summary

Quotes from The Idler, No. 8 (Samuel Johnson)

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Samuel Johnson

Summary

Quotes from The Idler, No. 8 (Samuel Johnson)

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