Superfluous lags the veteran on the stage

Superfluous lags the veteran on the stage

The quote "Superfluous lags the veteran on the stage" is a line from Samuel Johnson's poem "The Vanity of Human Wishes." In this poem, Johnson reflects on the fleeting nature of fame and success, and how even the most accomplished individuals eventually fade into obscurity.

In the context of Samuel Johnson himself, this line can be interpreted as a reflection on his own career and legacy. Johnson was a highly respected literary figure in his time, known for his wit, intelligence, and moral integrity. He was a prolific writer, producing essays, poems, and literary criticism that are still studied and admired today.

However, despite his many accomplishments, Johnson was also keenly aware of his own mortality and the limitations of his own talents. He knew that no matter how successful he was in his lifetime, eventually he would be forgotten and overshadowed by newer, younger talents.

This sense of humility and awareness of his own mortality is evident in much of Johnson's work, including "The Vanity of Human Wishes." In this poem, Johnson explores the futility of human ambition and the inevitability of death. He reminds his readers that no matter how successful or famous they may become, ultimately they will be forgotten and replaced by others.