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About this quote

What does it mean?
It is strange and sad that humans have so few pleasures that we count hunting among them.
In plain terms
People have so little fun that even killing animals counts as a pleasure.
What can you take from it?
Human life offers few genuine joys compared to suffering.

Where it applies

  • philosophers
  • critics
  • animal lovers

Putting it to work

  • seek meaningful joys
  • critique trivial pleasures
  • value life

Questions to consider

  • What truly brings you joy?
  • Why is human pleasure limited?

Another view

Many people genuinely enjoy hunting as a sport or tradition.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. His [David Garrick's] death has eclipsed the gaiety of nations, and impoverished the public stock of harmless pleasure.

    Permalink to quote #99
  2. There is in this world no real delight (excepting those of sensuality), but exchange of ideas in conversation.

    Permalink to quote #101
  3. The Churchyard abounds with images which find a mirror in every mind, and with sentiments to which every bosom returns an echo.

    Permalink to quote #98

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