'
BOSWELL. 'Is not modesty natural?' JOHNSON. 'I cannot say, Sir, as we
find no people quite in a state of nature; but I think the more they
are taught, the more modest they are. The French are a gross, ill-bred,
untaught people; a lady there will spit on the floor and rub it with
her foot. What I gained by being in France was, learning to be better
satisfied with my own country. Time may be employed to more advantage
from nineteen to twenty-four almost in any way than in travelling; when
you set travelling against mere negation, against doing nothing, it is
better to be sure; but how much more would a young man improve were he
to study during those years. Indeed, if a young man is wild, and must
run after women and bad company, it is better this should be done
abroad, as, on his return, he can break off such connections, and begin
at home a new man, with a character to form, and acquaintances to make.
How little does travelling supply to the conversation of any man who
has travelled; how little to Beauclerk!' BOSWELL.
Pages:
826
827
828
829
830
831
832
833
834
835
836
837
838
839
840
841
842
843
844
845
846
847
848
849
850