greed or desire sucks!

4.5 stars

Johnson’s theme in this poem, his first publication using his own name, could be “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,” or more bluntly: don’t be a bigshot, because someone is going to cut you down to size. Your wealth, your political power, your military might, your go

This poem isn't nearly as readable as Johnson's other works. It was a bit clunky and dated. It's a neat piece of historical literature but it doesn't have as much to offer a modern reader.

Samuel Johnson has reinforced in these lines that death is the endgame to life and no matter how much we aspire to something it's all efforts in futility because our assets all end here on earth. Knowing this, does it mean we should not aspire to greatness and be content in mediocrity?

Had to read these for my Literature course: Didn't understand much but with some research, it was interesting.