The Importance of Ambition

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 78 views

The Praise of Ambition: Understanding the Underlined Word in Samuel Johnson's Preface

Samuel Johnson's preface to "A Dictionary of the English Language" is a treasure trove of wisdom and insight into the human experience. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence: "To have attempted much is always laudable, even when some enterprise is above the strength that undertakes it." The underlined word is "laudable," which is a term that has been used to describe a wide range of actions and endeavors. In this article, we will explore the best definition of the underlined word and examine its significance in the context of Johnson's preface.

The Meaning of Laudable

The word "laudable" is an adjective that means worthy of praise or commendation. It is often used to describe actions or endeavors that are considered noble, admirable, or deserving of recognition. In the context of Johnson's preface, the word "laudable" is used to describe the act of attempting much, even when the undertaking is beyond one's strength.

The Importance of Ambition

Johnson's statement highlights the importance of ambition and the value of attempting great things. He suggests that attempting much is always laudable, even when the enterprise is beyond one's strength. This statement is significant because it encourages individuals to strive for greatness, even when the odds are against them.

The Concept of Strength

The concept of strength is a crucial aspect of Johnson's statement. He suggests that attempting much is laudable, even when the enterprise is above the strength that undertakes it. This implies that strength is not just a physical or mental attribute, but also a moral and emotional one. It suggests that individuals have the capacity to overcome challenges and achieve greatness, even when they are faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The Significance of Johnson's Statement

Johnson's statement is significant because it highlights the importance of perseverance and determination. It suggests that individuals should not be discouraged by failure or setbacks, but rather should use them as opportunities to learn and grow. This statement is particularly relevant in today's world, where individuals are often faced with numerous challenges and obstacles.

The Best Definition of Laudable

Based on the context of Johnson's statement, the best definition of the underlined word "laudable" is:

Worthy of praise or commendation: This definition captures the essence of Johnson's statement, which suggests that attempting much is always laudable, even when the enterprise is beyond one's strength.

In conclusion, the underlined word "laudable" in Samuel Johnson's preface to "A Dictionary of the English Language" is a term that has been used to describe a wide range of actions and endeavors. The best definition of the underlined word is "worthy of praise or commendation," which captures the essence of Johnson's statement. This statement highlights the importance of ambition and the value of attempting great things, even when the odds are against us.

The Significance of Johnson's Statement in Modern Times

Johnson's statement is particularly relevant in today's world, where individuals are often faced with numerous challenges and obstacles. In an era where failure is often seen as a negative outcome, Johnson's statement encourages individuals to view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. This statement is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination, and serves as a reminder that attempting much is always laudable, even when the enterprise is above the strength that undertakes it.

The Impact of Johnson's Statement on Language and Culture

Johnson's statement has had a significant impact on language and culture. The word "laudable" has become a common term in the English language, and is often used to describe actions or endeavors that are considered noble or admirable. Johnson's statement has also influenced the way we think about ambition and the value of attempting great things. It has encouraged individuals to strive for greatness, even when the odds are against them, and has served as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination.

The Legacy of Johnson's Statement

Johnson's statement has left a lasting legacy on language and culture. It has inspired generations of individuals to strive for greatness, and has served as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination. The word "laudable" has become a common term in the English language, and is often used to describe actions or endeavors that are considered noble or admirable. Johnson's statement continues to inspire individuals to this day, and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of ambition and the value of attempting great things.

The Future of Johnson's Statement

As we look to the future, it is clear that Johnson's statement will continue to inspire individuals to strive for greatness. The word "laudable" will continue to be used to describe actions or endeavors that are considered noble or admirable, and Johnson's statement will serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination. As we face new challenges and obstacles, Johnson's statement will continue to inspire us to attempt great things, even when the odds are against us.

In our previous article, we explored the meaning of the underlined word "laudable" in Samuel Johnson's preface to "A Dictionary of the English Language." In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the underlined word and its significance in the context of Johnson's statement.

Q: What does the word "laudable" mean?

A: The word "laudable" is an adjective that means worthy of praise or commendation. It is often used to describe actions or endeavors that are considered noble, admirable, or deserving of recognition.

Q: Why is the word "laudable" significant in the context of Johnson's statement?

A: The word "laudable" is significant in the context of Johnson's statement because it highlights the importance of ambition and the value of attempting great things. Johnson suggests that attempting much is always laudable, even when the enterprise is beyond one's strength.

Q: What is the concept of strength in the context of Johnson's statement?

A: In the context of Johnson's statement, the concept of strength refers to a combination of physical, mental, and moral attributes. It suggests that individuals have the capacity to overcome challenges and achieve greatness, even when they are faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Q: How does Johnson's statement relate to modern times?

A: Johnson's statement is particularly relevant in today's world, where individuals are often faced with numerous challenges and obstacles. In an era where failure is often seen as a negative outcome, Johnson's statement encourages individuals to view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Q: What is the impact of Johnson's statement on language and culture?

A: Johnson's statement has had a significant impact on language and culture. The word "laudable" has become a common term in the English language, and is often used to describe actions or endeavors that are considered noble or admirable. Johnson's statement has also influenced the way we think about ambition and the value of attempting great things.

Q: What is the legacy of Johnson's statement?

A: Johnson's statement has left a lasting legacy on language and culture. It has inspired generations of individuals to strive for greatness, and has served as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination.

Q: How can individuals apply Johnson's statement to their own lives?

A: Individuals can apply Johnson's statement to their own lives by striving for greatness, even when the odds are against them. They can view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, and can use perseverance and determination to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Q: What is the future of Johnson's statement?

A: As we look to the future, it is clear that Johnson's statement will continue to inspire individuals to strive for greatness. The word "laudable" will continue to be used to describe actions or endeavors that are considered noble or admirable, and Johnson's statement will serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination.

Q: What is the meaning of the word "laudable"?
- A: The word "laudable" is an adjective that means worthy of praise or commendation.
Q: Why is the word "laudable" significant in the context of Johnson's statement?
- A: The word "laudable" is significant in the context of Johnson's statement because it highlights the importance of ambition and the value of attempting great things.
Q: What is the concept of strength in the context of Johnson's statement?
- A: In the context of Johnson's statement, the concept of strength refers to a combination of physical, mental, and moral attributes.
Q: How does Johnson's statement relate to modern times?
- A: Johnson's statement is particularly relevant in today's world, where individuals are often faced with numerous challenges and obstacles.
Q: What is the impact of Johnson's statement on language and culture?
- A: Johnson's statement has had a significant impact on language and culture, and has influenced the way we think about ambition and the value of attempting great things.

Samuel Johnson's Preface to "A Dictionary of the English Language": This is the original text that contains the underlined word "laudable."
The Oxford English Dictionary: This dictionary provides a comprehensive definition of the word "laudable" and its usage in various contexts.
The Cambridge Dictionary: This dictionary provides a detailed explanation of the word "laudable" and its significance in the context of Johnson's statement.