The Art of Insult: The Cause of Dullness

Samuel Foote was a British dramatist, an actor and the theatre manager from Cornwall.  He was known for his comedic acting, and writing.  He was also known for his turn of phrase. 

He said, of Samuel Johnson, “He is not only dull in himself, but is the cause of dullness in others.

Samuel Johnson was a poet, a playwright, an essayist, a literary critic, biographer, editor, and lexicographer – one of the great contributors of English literature.  If someone could come up with a memorable insult on your account, you have achieved a sort of immortality.