Samuel Johnson: 'What is easy is seldom excellent.'

What is easy is seldom excellent.

In the words of the renowned 18th-century writer Samuel Johnson, "What is easy is seldom excellent." At first glance, this quote may appear straightforward, conveying the idea that achieving greatness or excellence requires effort and challenges. It highlights the commonly accepted belief that excellence rarely comes easily, and one must strive and struggle to attain it. But let us delve deeper into this thought-provoking quote and explore an unexpected philosophical concept that brings a twist of intrigue to Johnson's words.The essence of this quote lies in its emphasis on the correlation between ease and excellence. It suggests that when something is effortless or comes easily, it often lacks the qualities that make it extraordinary or exceptional. This concept can be applied to various aspects of life, whether it's pursuing a hobby or a professional goal. When we take the easy path, settling for mediocrity or opting for shortcuts, we seldom achieve greatness.Samuel Johnson's quote carries profound significance, not only in practical terms but also on a philosophical level. It invites us to question the nature of excellence and the very purpose of our endeavors. Does excellence solely lie in the end result, or is it also derived from the journey itself? Can true excellence be attained without overcoming obstacles and pushing beyond our comfort zone?To shed light on these philosophical contemplations, let us introduce the concept of existentialism into the discourse. Existentialism, a school of thought popularized in the 20th century, emphasizes individual existence, freedom of choice, and personal responsibility. Existentialists believe that the meaning of life and the pursuit of excellence lie in the hands of the individual, who must confront the challenges and complexities of existence.When applying existentialist principles to Samuel Johnson's quote, an interesting paradox arises. On one hand, the existentialist perspective encourages individuals to embrace the difficult and uncertain aspects of life, for it is within these struggles that personal growth and excellence are said to flourish. On the other hand, the quote suggests that what is easy lacks excellence, which seemingly contradicts the existentialist philosophy of embracing personal choice and freedom.However, the apparent contradiction between Johnson's quote and existentialism can be reconciled and seen as complementary rather than conflicting. It is not the absence of ease or an aversion to simplicity that existentialism promotes, but rather the encouragement to confront the challenges that have the potential to hinder our growth and inhibit our pursuit of excellence. By embracing the difficult, we can hope to transcend the ordinary and achieve greatness in our own unique way.Moreover, when we consider the context in which Johnson made this statement, it becomes evident that his intent was to inspire individuals to aspire to greatness rather than seek the path of least resistance. Johnson himself was a tireless writer, lexicographer, and moralist, dedicating his life to intellectual pursuit and literary excellence. His quote reflects his personal philosophy; it is an encouragement to avoid complacency and push beyond our limitations in order to achieve true excellence.In conclusion, Samuel Johnson's quote, "What is easy is seldom excellent," captures the notion that true greatness seldom comes easily. It urges us to embrace the challenges and complexities of life, for it is within these trials that we have the opportunity to transcend mediocrity and achieve personal excellence. When understood through the lens of existentialism, this quote reminds us of our freedom to choose the path of greatness and the responsibility attached to our individual existence. So, let us not shy away from the difficult, but rather embrace it, for therein lies the potential to reach heights we never thought possible.