Theodore Dalrymple on Samuel Johnson and Rasselas
“There could be no better example of how something written more than a quarter of a millennium ago speaks to the present day than Dr. Johnson’s short philosophical fable Rasselas.”
This week, you will learn about the background, abilities, and character of Samuel Johnson.
You will also learn about the way that Johnson’s qualities are reflected in a famous portrait of him painted by his friend, Sir Joshua Reynolds.
You will begin your exploration of Johnson’s novel, Rasselas.
And you will start reflecting on questions about human nature, and the connection between happiness and a life of total ease, complete security, and abundant material comforts.
Samuel Johnson’s Rasselas: An Introduction
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