'
I suggested a doubt, that if I were to reside in London, the exquisite
zest with which I relished it in occasional visits might go off, and
I might grow tired of it. JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, you find no man, at all
intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is
tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that
life can afford.'
He said, 'A country gentleman should bring his lady to visit London as
soon as he can, that they may have agreeable topicks for conversation
when they are by themselves.'
We talked of employment being absolutely necessary to preserve the
mind from wearying and growing fretful, especially in those who have a
tendency to melancholy; and I mentioned to him a saying which somebody
had related of an American savage, who, when an European was expatiating
on all the advantages of money, put this question: 'Will it purchase
OCCUPATION?' JOHNSON. 'Depend upon it, Sir, this saying is too refined
for a savage. And, Sir, money WILL purchase occupation; it will purchase
all the conveniences of life; it will purchase variety of company; it
will purchase all sorts of entertainment.
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