This quote by Samuel Johnson essentially implies that any serious action or attitude that does not contribute to the betterment of oneself or others, or prevent harm, is pointless. It suggests a utilitarian perspective, which measures the value of actions based on their usefulness in achieving positive outcomes or avoiding negative ones.
To break it down further: “severity” can be interpreted as seriousness, strictness, harshness or intensity. Johnson argues that these qualities are only valuable if they serve to “increase good” – meaning to create benefits for oneself and/or others – or “prevent evil,” which means to avoid harm. If severity doesn’t achieve one of these two goals then it’s seen as idle – unproductive and useless.
Applying this concept in today’s world could mean scrutinizing our actions and attitudes more closely. For instance, in a professional context, managers might adopt a severe leadership style with their team members with the intention of driving productivity. However, if this severity creates an oppressive work environment without actually improving outcomes (increasing good), then according to Johnson’s philosophy it is idle and counterproductive.
Similarly in personal development terms: If you’re being overly harsh on yourself while trying to develop new skills but this severity isn’t motivating you nor preventing mistakes (it’s not increasing good nor preventing evil), then it’s just wasted energy – idle severity.
The essence of this quote encourages us towards introspection about our attitudes and actions; it invites us to ensure our ‘strictness’ either contributes positively towards ourselves/others (increase good) or helps avoid harm (prevent evil). Otherwise we should reconsider whether such strictness is necessary at all.
