This quote by Samuel Johnson encapsulates the essence of focus and presence. It suggests that when you are engaged in a particular task or activity, you should fully commit to it without diverting your attention to something else. The words ‘declaiming’ and ‘calculating’ here represent two distinct activities requiring different mental faculties.
The phrase “when you are declaiming, declaim” implies that when you’re speaking or presenting an argument (declaiming), give it your full attention. Be present in that moment, immerse yourself in the act of expressing your thoughts without letting your mind wander elsewhere.
Similarly, “and when you are calculating, calculate” means when engaged in thoughtful deliberation or problem-solving (calculating), concentrate solely on that task. Don’t let other distractions interfere with the process of thinking and analyzing.
In today’s fast-paced world where multitasking is often celebrated, this quote serves as a reminder about the importance of single-tasking and mindfulness. Multitasking can lead to errors, reduced productivity and increased stress levels because our brains aren’t designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with equal efficiency.
Applying this principle in personal development could mean dedicating focused time for specific goals or tasks rather than trying to juggle multiple things at once. For instance, if someone is working on improving their public speaking skills (declaiming), they should devote undivided attention during practice sessions instead of simultaneously worrying about other unrelated issues like financial planning (calculating). By doing so, one can achieve better results due to increased efficiency and effectiveness.
In essence, Samuel Johnson’s quote emphasizes being present in whatever we do – giving our full attention to one task at hand before moving onto another – a timeless advice relevant even today for enhancing productivity and personal growth.
