The Rambler - Samuel Johnson

Summary

The Rambler is a series of 208 essays written by Samuel Johnson, published semi-weekly between March 20, 1750, and March 17, 1752. The essays explore a vast range of topics including morality, literature, religion, human nature, social behavior, and the follies and virtues of mankind. Johnson often adopted the persona of "The Rambler," an observer and commentator on life, to deliver his profound reflections and criticisms. The essays are characterized by their formal, elevated prose, deep psychological insight, and unwavering commitment to moral instruction. Through various narrative devices, allegories, and discussions, Johnson aimed to improve the understanding and conduct of his readers, frequently advocating for virtue, diligence, and rational thought while exposing vanity, procrastination, and other human weaknesses. The collection as a whole presents a comprehensive examination of 18th-century intellectual and moral concerns, serving as a significant work of English prose and an enduring example of the periodical essay.

Book Sections

Section 1: The Character of a Periodical Essayist (Rambler No. 1)

This inaugural essay establishes the purpose and challenges of The Rambler. Johnson reflects on the expectations of the public for a periodical writer, noting the difficulty of providing continuous novelty and instruction without falling into monotony or triviality. He expresses his commitment to offering moral truths and observations on human nature, rather than mere entertainment, asserting that a writer must "endeavour to be at once pleasing and useful." He acknowledges the potential for criticism but resolves to persist in his mission to guide and inform his readers.

Section 2: The Folly of Procrastination (Rambler No. 134)

Johnson explores the pervasive human tendency towards procrastination, detailing how individuals often deceive themselves into believing they have ample time to complete tasks or improve their lives. He illustrates how this habit leads to missed opportunities, unfulfilled potential, and profound regret. He emphasizes that the present moment is the only one truly within our control, and delaying actions or reforms often results in their never being accomplished. Johnson argues that resolution, if not immediately acted upon, can become a mere delusive wish.

Section 3: The Danger of Literary Imitation (Rambler No. 143)

This essay delves into the pitfalls of aspiring writers who merely imitate established authors without cultivating their own unique voice or understanding the true principles behind literary success. Johnson criticizes those who mimic style or subject matter without possessing the underlying genius or insight. He argues that true literary merit comes from originality and a profound understanding of human nature, rather than superficial adherence to fashionable trends or slavish replication of others' work. He warns that such imitation often leads to mediocrity and a lack of lasting impact.

Section 4: The Unhappiness of Retirement (Rambler No. 153)

Johnson examines the common misconception that retirement from the active world necessarily brings happiness and tranquility. He challenges the romanticized view of solitude, arguing that many who seek retreat from society carry their internal discontents with them. He asserts that a change of place does not fundamentally alter one's character or alleviate personal anxieties. True contentment, he suggests, comes from an internal disposition of virtue and peace, rather than merely escaping external pressures. He uses illustrative examples of individuals who find their solitude more burdensome than their former engagements.

Section 5: The Vanity of Human Wishes (General Theme)

While not a single essay but a pervasive theme, Johnson frequently illustrates the vanity of human wishes throughout The Rambler, echoing sentiments from his famous poem of the same name. He shows how people often pursue goals—wealth, power, fame, beauty, long life—believing they will bring ultimate happiness, only to find them hollow, transient, or even detrimental. He reveals how these pursuits can lead to disappointment, envy, and moral corruption. Johnson consistently steers readers towards the pursuit of virtue, wisdom, and eternal salvation as the only truly fulfilling endeavors, contrasting them with the ephemeral and often self-defeating nature of worldly ambitions.

Characters Involved	Characteristics	Motivations
Florentulus	A young man who delays important tasks.	Belief that he has ample time; a desire to avoid immediate effort.
Misargyrus	One who seeks wealth for future enjoyment.	Hope that accumulating riches will grant him leisure and happiness in retirement.
Prospero	A man who retires from public life.	Desire for peace and escape from the 'bustle' of the world.
The Imitative Poet	Lacks original thought, copies established styles.	Ambition for literary fame, believes imitation is the path to success.

Section 6: The Importance of Resolution (Rambler No. 182)

Johnson discusses the critical role of resolution in achieving any worthwhile goal. He argues that mere good intentions or a desire for improvement are insufficient; without steadfast resolution, noble aims often dissolve into inaction. He highlights the constant struggle against inherent human idleness and the temptations of immediate gratification. Johnson advises readers to cultivate a firm and unwavering resolve, to commit fully to their chosen paths, and to resist the easy allure of procrastination and distraction, as only through consistent effort can virtue and success be attained.

Section 7: On the Disadvantages of Poverty (Rambler No. 202)

In one of his later essays, Johnson reflects on the various disadvantages and indignities associated with poverty. He portrays it not merely as a lack of material goods but as a condition that diminishes respect, opportunities, and even moral standing in the eyes of society. He describes how poverty can lead to feelings of shame, dependence, and the suppression of natural talents. While acknowledging that virtue can exist in any station, Johnson offers a stark, realistic appraisal of the difficulties faced by the poor, advocating for a compassionate understanding of their plight and recognizing the immense obstacles they must overcome to achieve self-sufficiency or recognition.

Literary Genre

Periodical Essay, Moral Essay, Literary Criticism, Social Commentary.

Author Information

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) was an English writer, poet, playwright, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor, and lexicographer. He is considered one of the most important figures in English literature. He is perhaps best known for his monumental A Dictionary of the English Language (1755), which took him nine years to complete and significantly influenced the standardization of English. His other major works include the periodical essays The Rambler, The Idler, and The Adventurer, the philosophical novel Rasselas, and his critical edition of The Plays of William Shakespeare. James Boswell's The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. (1791) is one of the most celebrated biographies in the English language, painting a vivid portrait of Johnson's life and personality. Johnson was a devout Anglican and a staunch conservative, and his writings often reflect his deep moral convictions and his belief in the importance of reason and duty.

Moral/Lesson

The overarching moral of The Rambler is the constant need for moral introspection and the cultivation of virtue. Johnson repeatedly emphasizes that true happiness and fulfillment come not from external circumstances, wealth, or fame, but from a virtuous character, a well-ordered mind, and a diligent pursuit of duty. He teaches the importance of self-knowledge, the dangers of procrastination, the folly of vanity, and the necessity of confronting one's own weaknesses. Ultimately, Johnson encourages readers to lead lives guided by reason, prudence, and a profound awareness of their moral responsibilities, both to themselves and to society, with an underlying perspective rooted in Christian morality.

Curiosities

• Pseudonym: Johnson adopted the persona of "The Rambler" for these essays, creating a detached observer and moral commentator.
• Frequency and Solitude: Johnson wrote nearly all 208 essays himself, often under immense pressure to meet deadlines twice a week. He famously said, "I wrote the essays as they were wanted, without any previous plan." This prodigious output led to much exhaustion and often required him to compose late into the night.
• Initial Reception: The Rambler was not initially a popular success, especially compared to earlier periodicals like The Spectator. Its serious tone, complex sentences, and elevated vocabulary, while admired by some, limited its broader appeal. However, it gained immense respect and influence among intellectuals and became a standard work of English prose after Johnson's death.
• Influence on Prose: Johnson's distinctive style, characterized by long, balanced sentences, classical allusions, and a rich vocabulary, became known as "Johnsonian prose." While sometimes criticized for being overly formal, it was also celebrated for its precision, clarity, and rhetorical power, significantly influencing later writers.
• Personal Struggles: Many of the themes in The Rambler, such as the struggle against procrastination, the pursuit of resolution, and the fear of solitude, often reflect Johnson's own personal battles with melancholia and his constant striving for moral and intellectual discipline.
• Mrs. Thrale's Anecdote: Hester Thrale, a close friend of Johnson, recounted that he once confessed he "wrote not for fame or money, but for a living." Despite his immense literary talent, Johnson frequently struggled financially, and The Rambler was a primary source of income during its publication.