In the section on Bamff of Samuel Johnson's "Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland", he begins by criticizing Scottish windows and window hardware and then proceeds to make the general point that the refinement and wealth of a nation are defined in some sense by the sum of small conveniences, and in passing he says:
"But it must be remembered, that life consists not of a series of illustrious actions, or elegant enjoyments; the greater part of our time passes in compliance with necessities, in the performance of daily duties, in the removal of small inconveniences, in the procurement of petty pleasures; and we are well or ill at ease, as the main stream of life glides on smoothly, or is ruffled by small obstacles and frequent interruption."