...do in a manner peculiar to himself, without sufficiently considering that singularity, as it implies a contempt of the general practice, is a kind of defiance...peculiar habits is worse than others, if he be not better '. 129 Of his humour a story told by Pope3 may afford a specimen : ' Dr. Swift has an odd, blunt way...

...persons who affect singularity of behaviour, Johnson has a useful hint : " Singularity, as it implies a contempt of the general practice, is a kind of defiance...habits is worse than others if he be not better." And how admirably does Johnson demolish that fallacy to which English people are peculiarly prone —...

...writing of Dean Swift in the Lives of the Poets, says : " Singularity, as it implies a contempt of general practice, is a kind of defiance which justly...habits is worse than others, if he be not better." This is a true principle of judgment in all matters of dissent from established opinion and custom....

...friendship for than yourself, and shall have to the end of my life. — MASHAM, LADY, 1723, Letter to Swift. Dr. Swift has an odd blunt way, that is mistaken, by strangers, for ill-nature. — 'Tis so odd that there's no describing it but by facts. — I'll tell you one that...

...persons who affect singularity of behaviour, Johnson has a useful hint : " Singularity, as it implies a contempt of the general practice, is a kind of defiance...habits is worse than others if he be not better." And how admirably does Johnson demolish that fallacy to which English people are peculiarly prone —...