Education in today's society (3)

Same discussion continued:

Paulo said... 

xjy

I suggest that before you say any more about Samuel Johnson, you investigate his involvement in anti-slavery, and in some of the other matters you mention. In particular, the British use of slaves to fight the war in America. 

Much more, if you're interested. His remark about Patriotism - the firat refuge of the hypocrite - is a start. By "patriotism" he meant the English interests in the American Empire. Windy, Latinate, but strong.

I responded: 
@Paulo: The more Samuel Johnson contradicts himself, the better!
Meantime, here's a revelation for most of you - Edward Rushton, 1756-1814. A book telling his story was published in 2002. "Forgotten Hero. The Life and Times of Edward Rushton. Liverpool's Blind Poet, Revolutionary Republican, & Anti-Slavery Fighter" by Bill Hunter, Living History Library, Liverpool, 2002. (info: editor@livinghistory.org.uk) ISBN 0-9542077-0-X (all this detail cos - as you can imagine - it's not available at WH Smith's)
He went blind helping slaves (alone) on a slaver at the age of 18, during an epidemic of Malignant Opthalmia. And that was just the start. The book gives extracts from his poems, documented accounts of Liverpool as a city built on Slavery, of conditions in the Navy, the Press Gangs, the politics of abolition, the role of ex-slaves in the debates on Abolition, and Rushton's adventure's as an innkeeper. As well as his take on the American Revolution (a letter to Washington taking him to task for his pro-slavery), the French Revolution, and the Haitian Revolution (Spartacus!)
Our Scouser readers might be aware of Rushton. Few others will. Read 100 pages of Sam J and then the 100 pages of this little book. Think about the role of laws and kings in society, and the role of society in people's lives (including culture and education). 
Decide for yourselves whether or not Samuel Johnson is a pompous windbag.