There will always be a part, and always a very large part of every community, that have no care but for themselves, and whose care for themselves reaches little further than impatience of immediate pain, and eagerness for the nearest good.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Johnson observes that a significant portion of any community is selfish and only cares about avoiding immediate pain or gaining immediate pleasure.
- In plain terms
- Many people only care about themselves and their own comfort.
- What can you take from it?
- Expect selfishness in communities and plan accordingly.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you see selfishness in your community?
- What motivates you more, avoiding pain or seeking gain?
Another view
Not everyone is selfish; many act altruistically.
More from Samuel Johnson
That man is little to be envied whose patriotism would not gain force upon the plain of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warmer among the ruins of Iona.
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