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Samuel Johnson, opsimath
Lazy, depressive, productive, late bloomer, Samuel Johnson is an example of the Fitzgerald Rule
Nov 6, 2020 • 
Henry Oliver
18
6
“You can never be wise until you learn to love reading.”
On my love of Samuel Johnson.
Oct 11, 2024 • 
Henry Oliver
151
26
Was Samuel Johnson a masochist?
According to Queeney, by Beryl Bainbridge
Sep 20, 2021 • 
Henry Oliver
7
1
Samuel Johnson, ghost hunter
All argument is against it; but all belief is for it.
Aug 18, 2023 • 
Henry Oliver
25
10
Samuel Johnson, opsimath
Lazy, depressive, productive, late bloomer
Sep 19, 2023 • 
Henry Oliver
68
20
Where was Samuel Johnson in 1745?
This is what Boswell has to say about a strange gap in the record of Johnson’s life:
Jun 7, 2021 • 
Henry Oliver
3
Samuel Johnson and Progress Studies
In the late 1740s, Zachariah Williams was evicted from the Charterhouse, a City of London almshouse for people who require charitable help to live.
Mar 22, 2022 • 
Henry Oliver
17
11
Samuel Johnson: Reading for Wisdom
One day, I want to be wise.
Feb 10, 2022 • 
Henry Oliver
7
New Year's Resolutions with Samuel Johnson
Every long work is lengthened by a thousand causes.
Dec 28, 2021 • 
Henry Oliver
12
The unlikely similarity of J.S. Mill and Samuel Johnson.
Human happiness is the result of effort, but is not entirely within our control.
Jun 13, 2024 • 
Henry Oliver
21
Good wishes from Samuel Johnson
Dear Sir, —This is the time of the year in which all express their good wishes to their friends, and I send mine to you and your family.
Dec 25, 2020 • 
Henry Oliver
Virginia Woolf's other centenary
praising the great critic of the twentieth century
May 21 • 
Henry Oliver
86
35
© 2025 Henry Oliver
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