I'm Gretchen Rubin and this is a little happier. I am a tremendous admirer of the work and thought

of the brilliant eccentric 18th century English writer and lexicographer Samuel Johnson,

also known as Dr. Johnson. I love his work. I sometimes disagree with his observations,

but even in disagreeing, he helps me understand my own thoughts better, and he always expresses himself

so beautifully. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about education, the crucial nature of education,

the value of great teachers in schools, the importance of helping people get the education they

strive for, and what happens when people aren't able to get the education that they need and deserve.

And that made me think back on a little story in Boswell's book, The Life of Samuel Johnson.

Much of what we know about Dr. Johnson comes from this absolutely delightful and celebrated

kind of sort of biography, The Life of Samuel Johnson, which was written by his close friend,

James Boswell. And in this book, Boswell recounts a story about a boat ride he took with Samuel Johnson.

Dr. Johnson and I took a sculler at the Temple Stairs and set out for Grunich. I asked him if he

really thought in knowledge of the Greek and Latin languages an essential requisite to a good

education. Johnson, most certainly sir, for those who know them have a very great advantage over

those who do not. Nayser, it is wonderful what a difference learning makes upon people even in

the common intercourse of life, which does not appear to be much connected with it. And yet,

said I, people go through the world very well and carry on the business of life to good advantage

without learning. Johnson, why sir? That may be true in cases where learning cannot possibly be of

any use. For instance, this boy rose us as well without learning as if he could sing the song of

orpious to the Argonauts who were the first sailors. He then called to the boy, what would you give my

lad to know about the Argonauts? Sir said the boy, I would give what I have. Johnson was much

pleased with his answer and we gave him double fair. Dr. Johnson then turned to me,

...