"Man exists in a world of his own creation. He cannot step, but on ground transformed by culture; nor look, but on objects produced by art. The animals which constitute his food are unknown to nature, while trees, fruits, and herbs, are the trophies of his labour. In himself nearly every natural impulse is suppressed as vicious, and every mortification solicited as a virtue. His language, actions, sentiments, and desires are nearly all factitious. Stupendous in achievement, he is boundless in attempt. Having subdued the earth's surface, he would explore its centre; having vanquished diseases, he would subdue death. Unsatisfied with recording the past, he would anticipate the future. Uncontented with subjugating the ocean, he would traverse the air. Success but sharpens his avidity, and facility but augments his impatience."
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Businesspeople from the United StatesPhilosophers from the United StatesPhilosophers from EnglandPeople from Portsmouth
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Lecture I. Introductory.
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Alexander Bryan Johnson
Alexander Bryan Johnson (May 29, 1786 – September 9, 1867) was an American philosopher, author and banker. He was also admitted to the bar, but never practiced. Johnson had a particular interest in the study of the relationships between language and knowledge.
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