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About this quote

What does it mean?
Abandoning reason and self-control avoids the burdens of human responsibility.
In plain terms
Acting like an animal escapes human pain.
What can you take from it?
Responsibility brings pain but defines humanity.

Where it applies

  • ethical dilemmas
  • addiction recovery
  • self-discipline

Putting it to work

  • reflect on choices
  • avoid escapism

Questions to consider

  • What makes life hard?
  • Is ignorance bliss?

Another view

Reason can sometimes create unnecessary anxiety.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. When learning's triumph o'er her barb'rous foes First reared the stage, immortal Shakespeare rose; Each change of many-colored life he drew, Exhausted worlds, …

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  2. A man is in general better pleased when he has a good dinner upon his table, than when his wife talks Greek.

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  3. Cold approbation gave the ling'ring bays, For those who durst not censure, scarce could praise.

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