“ Happiness . . . must be something solid and permanent, without fear and without uncertainty. ”
Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia (1759). copy citation
| Author | Samuel Johnson |
|---|---|
| Source | The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia |
| Topic | fear happiness uncertainty |
| Date | 1759 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/652/652-h/652-h.htm |
Context
“The Prince soon concluded that he should never be happy in a course of life of which he was ashamed. He thought it unsuitable to a reasonable being to act without a plan, and to be sad or cheerful only by chance. «Happiness,» said he, «must be something solid and permanent, without fear and without uncertainty.»
But his young companions had gained so much of his regard by their frankness and courtesy that he could not leave them without warning and remonstrance. «My friends,» said he, «I have seriously considered our manners and our prospects, and find that we have mistaken our own interest.” source
But his young companions had gained so much of his regard by their frankness and courtesy that he could not leave them without warning and remonstrance. «My friends,» said he, «I have seriously considered our manners and our prospects, and find that we have mistaken our own interest.” source
Meaning and analysis
