The reciprocal civility of authors is one of the most risible scenes in the farce of life

The reciprocal civility of authors is one of the most risible scenes in the farce of life

Samuel Johnson, the renowned English writer and lexicographer, was known for his wit, wisdom, and sharp tongue. He was a man of strong opinions and was not afraid to express them, often in a blunt and uncompromising manner. Johnson's views on the reciprocal civility of authors as being a farce in the grand comedy of life are reflective of his own experiences in the literary world.

In Johnson's time, the world of literature was a small and insular community, where authors often knew each other personally and interacted frequently. Despite this close-knit environment, Johnson observed that the relationships between authors were often superficial and insincere. He saw authors engaging in polite exchanges and compliments with each other, even when they may have harbored jealousy, resentment, or disdain towards one another.

Johnson believed that this facade of civility among authors was a farce, a performance put on for the sake of appearances rather than genuine respect or admiration. He saw it as a form of hypocrisy, where authors would publicly praise each other's work while privately harboring negative feelings towards their peers.

For Johnson, who valued honesty and integrity above all else, this kind of behavior was both laughable and lamentable. He saw it as a reflection of the vanity and pretentiousness that often plagued the literary world, where authors were more concerned with their public image and reputation than with the quality of their work.

In Johnson's own interactions with his fellow authors, he was known for his blunt and sometimes caustic criticism. He did not hesitate to speak his mind, even if it meant offending or alienating others. While this may have earned him a reputation as a curmudgeon, Johnson believed that it was better to be honest and forthright than to engage in empty flattery and insincere compliments.