There is in this world no real delight (excepting those of sensuality), but exchange of ideas in conversation.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True delight comes from exchanging ideas with others, not just physical sensations.
- In plain terms
- Talking and sharing ideas with people is the best kind of joy.
- What can you take from it?
- Conversation is the highest form of human delight.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What conversations do you cherish?
- Is talking better than being alone?
Another view
Physical pleasures can also bring real delight to many people.
More from Samuel Johnson
It is very strange, and very melancholy, that the paucity of human pleasures should persuade us ever to call hunting one of them.
Permalink to quote #100 If the man who turnips cries, Cry not when his father dies, 'Tis a proof that he had rather Have a turnip than his father.
Permalink to quote #102 His [David Garrick's] death has eclipsed the gaiety of nations, and impoverished the public stock of harmless pleasure.
Permalink to quote #99
Related quotes
Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.
Eleanor RooseveltEleanor Roosevelt quote #58 Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone. For this brave old earth must borrow its mirth, But has trouble enough of its own. Sing, and th…
Ella Wheeler WilcoxElla Wheeler Wilcox quote #1 Although there exist many thousand subjects for elegant conversation, there are persons who cannot meet a cripple without talking about feet.
Ernest BramahErnest Bramah quote #3