This quote suggests that the key distinction between a “civilized” individual and a “savage” lies not in their inherent nature or physical attributes, but in their behavior, specifically their level of refinement and elegance. Here, refinement refers to polished manners, good education, and cultured tastes. Elegance can be understood as gracefulness in appearance or behavior.
The quote implies that civilization is not merely about technological progress or material prosperity but is more fundamentally about personal development – honing one’s character, improving one’s manners, cultivating taste and sophistication. It underscores the importance of personal growth and self-improvement.
In today’s world, it could be interpreted to mean that our true progress as individuals (and by extension societies) isn’t just about acquiring wealth or achieving power; it’s also about how we conduct ourselves – how we treat others; how we appreciate art, culture and beauty; how we manage our emotions; how refined our tastes are.
In terms of personal development this idea emphasizes the importance of continuous learning – not just for professional advancement but for personal growth. It encourages us to strive towards becoming better individuals by refining our behavior – being polite & respectful towards others; cultivating an appreciation for literature & arts etc.; developing emotional intelligence etc.
One interesting perspective here could be: while Johnson seems to suggest that ‘savages’ lack refinement/elegance (which some might see as a prejudiced view), another way to look at it would be: he’s highlighting what he believes are universal human potentials – potentials for refinement/elegance which every individual (regardless of their societal/cultural background) possesses but needs to develop/realize.
