POSSIBILITY FOR FAILURE OR CRITICISM

WHAT a nerve-racking task it must have been in compiling the first-ever dictionary of the English language.

Someone was always going to say, “You missed out -“, or “It doesn’t mean that!”

Indeed, that first dictionary was reworked many times.

With that possibility for failure or criticism in mind, Samuel Johnson might easily have decided not to attempt his great work.

Instead, he wrote in the preface the following: “When it shall be found that much is omitted, let it not be forgotten that much likewise is performed.”

Criticism is important, but when we criticise let’s not attach too much importance to the mistakes.

Always remember what was intended and the courage it took to stand up and try.