Samuel Johnson's character, full of contradictions, can be explained by Freud's formula that 'persisting character traits are either continuations of the original instincts, their sublimations or reactions against them'. Johnson showed obvious signs of a compulsion neurosis complicated by depressions and tics. His character belonged to those which Freud described as 'the exceptions'. After his wet-nurse infected him with tuberculosis, he became half blind and hard of hearing for which he demanded reimbursement from fate. His oral need developed to an unusual degree: he had an insatiable appetite, became an omnivorous reader, a nail biter, a tremendous talker and an aggressive debater. At the same time, he was dirty. Although full of hatred he developed gradually into a very kind and charitable man. He was constantly in fear of being condemned to hell. 'Johnson, an individual with partly inborn and partly conditioned invincible instincts—oral and anal aggression—develops