Page:The Works of Samuel Johnson ... A journey to the Hebrides. The vision of Theodore, the hermit of Teneriffe. The fountains. Prayers and meditations. Sermons.v. 10-11. Parliamentary debates.pdf/486

 The desire of happiness is inseparable from a rational being, acquainted, by experience, with the various gradations of pain and pleasure. The knowledge of different degrees of happiness seems necessary to the excitement of desire, and the stimulation of activity. He that had never felt pain, would not fear it, nor use any precaution to prevent it. He who had been always equally at ease, would not know that his condition admitted any improvement, and, therefore, could have no end to pursue, or purpose to prosecute. But man, in his present state, knowing of how much good he is capable, and to how many evils he is exposed, has his mind perpetually employed, in defence, or in acquisition, in securing that which he has, or attaining that which, he believes, he either does, or shall, want.

He that desires happiness must necessarily desire the means of happiness, must wish to appropriate, and accumulate, whatever may satisfy his desires. It is not sufficient to be without want. He will try to place himself beyond the fear of want; and endeavour to provide future gratifications for future wishes, and lay up in store future provisions for future necessities.

It is by the effect of this care to provide against the evils, and to attain the blessings of life, that human society has its present form. For this purpose professions are studied, and trades learned; dangers are encountered, and labour endured. For this reason every man educates his son in some useful art, which, by making him necessary to others, may oblige others to repay him what is necessary to himself. The general employment of mankind is to increase pleasure, or remove the pressure of pain. These are the vital principles of action, that fill ports with ships, shops with manufactures, and fields with husband-*men, that keep the statesman diligent in attendance, and the trader active in his business.

It is apparently the opinion of the civilized world, that he who would be happy must be rich. In riches the goods of life are compendiously contained. They do not enlarge our own personal powers; but they enable us to