244. Mediocrity; Popularity "Is getting a hundred thousand pounds a proof of excellence? That has been done by a scoundrel commissary." Boswell: Life Link 1,088. Fashion; Mediocrity; Op-Ed; Popularity; Reading; Writing "Among those whose reputation is exhausted in a short time by its own luxuriance are the writers who take advantage of present incidents or characters which strongly interest the passions, and engage universal attention. It is not difficult to obtain readers, when we discuss a question which every one is desirous to understand, which is debated in every assembly, and has divided the nation into parties; or when we display the faults or virtues of him whose public conduct has made almost every man his enemy or his friend." Johnson: Rambler #106 (March 23, 1751) Link 1,348. Popularity; Writing "Whoever desires, for his writings or himself, what none can reasonably contemn, the favour of mankind, must add grace to strength, and make his thoughts agreeable as well as useful. Many complain of neglect who never tried to attract regard." Johnson: Rambler #168 (October 26, 1751) Link 1,349. Arrogance; Popularity "Few have abilities so much needed by the rest of the world as to be caressed on their own terms; and he that will not condescend to recommend himself by external embellishments must submit to the fate of just sentiment meanly expressed, and be ridiculed and forgotten before he is understood." Johnson: Rambler #168 (October 26, 1751) Link