Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel

Samuel Johnson was a curious man. One of his greatest innovations was to include plenty of illustrative literary quotations to show how words were used. He was, though, a strange fellow.

Samuel Johnson 18 September [ O. Johnson was known as a staunch Tory or was thought not to be active within politics; his political writings were subsequently disregarded and neglected. Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson is partly to blame. Boswell did not meet Johnson until later in life and was unable to discuss how politics affected Johnson during his early years. Two periods, Robert Walpole 's control over British Parliament and the Seven Years' War , were Johnson's most active periods and are the source for much of his early writings. Although Boswell was present with Johnson during the s and described four major pamphlets written by Johnson, he neglected to discuss them because he is more interested in their travels to Scotland. That is compounded by the fact that Boswell held an opinion contradictory to two of the pamphlets, The False Alarm and Taxation No Tyranny , and so he attacked Johnson's views in his biography [1] —including Johnson's attacks on slavery.

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel

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Different versions have evolved during the ensuing decades and centuries.

Samuel Johnson? James Boswell? Samuel Maunder? Henry F. Bernard J. Dear Quote Investigator: A politician whose popularity is dropping may attempt to recapture acceptance by disingenuously embracing jingoistic patriotism.

The quote "Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel" by Samuel Johnson is a thought-provoking statement that calls into question the sincerity and motives of those who use patriotism as a shield for their questionable actions. At first glance, it may appear to be a simple observation about the darker side of human nature. However, delving deeper into its meaning, we can explore an unexpected philosophical concept - the interconnectedness of virtues and vices. On the surface, this quote suggests that individuals who lack integrity often resort to displaying overt patriotism as a means to deflect attention from their wrongdoings or mask their true intentions. It highlights a tendency for some people to exploit patriotic sentiments for personal gain or political maneuvering.

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel

Samuel Johnson? James Boswell? Samuel Maunder? Henry F. Bernard J.

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Jan 06, AM. He was, though, a strange fellow. Being urged not by Johnson, to name one exception, I mentioned an eminent person, whom we all greatly admired. Layth 1, books view quotes. In conclusion, biographer James Boswell credited Samuel Johnson with the adage within a diary entry dated April 7, Apr 15, AM. May 10, PM. Shubham 68 books view quotes. Feb 19, AM. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Nov 11, AM. Jul 18, PM. Henry F. Dec 13, AM.

Samuel Johnson was a curious man.

The last of the pamphlets, Taxation No Tyranny , was a defence of the Coercive Acts and a response to the Declaration of Rights of the First Continental Congress of America, which protested against taxation without representation. Jul 06, AM. John 26 books view quotes. Jan 13, AM. Even during their journey together through Scotland, Johnson "exhibited prejudice and a narrow nationalism". Apr 17, AM. Sep 09, AM. Recommend to friends. Verified with scans. Browse By Tag. Samuel Maunder? Samuel Johnson 18 September [ O. Samuel Johnson was a curious man.