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Credulity is the common failing of inexperienced virtue…

“Credulity is the common failing of inexperienced virtue; and he who is spontaneously suspicious may justly be charged with radical corruption.” quote by Samuel Johnson
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“Credulity is the common failing of inexperienced virtue; and he who is spontaneously suspicious may justly be charged with radical corruption.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Inexperience leads to credulity; excessive suspicion can be seen as corrupt.

In simple terms: Naïveté and suspicion both have flaws.

Key Takeaway

Balance trust with healthy skepticism.

Themes

trust skepticism virtue

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • education
  • leadership
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

experience morality judgment

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is suspicion justified?
  • How to cultivate discerning trust?
A Different Perspective

Over‑trusting or over‑skeptical both harm.

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