"Criticism is a study by which men grow important and formidable
at very small expense. The power of invention has been conferred by nature upon
few, and the labour of learning those sciences, which may by mere labour be
obtained, is too great to be willingly endured; but every man can exert such
judgment as he has upon the works of others; and he whom nature has made weak,
and idleness keeps ignorant, may yet support his vanity by the name of a
Critick."--Samuel Johnson, The Idler
60: “Critical Views of Dick Minim” (June
9, 1759)
(Portrait of Samuel Johnson by Sir Joshua Reynolds)
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