Skip to content

Deign on the passing world to turn thine eyes, And pause a…

“Deign on the passing world to turn thine eyes, And pause a while from learning to be wise. There mark what ills the scholar's life assail,- Toil, envy, want, the patron, and the jail.” quote by Samuel Johnson
Download Open image
“Deign on the passing world to turn thine eyes, And pause a while from learning to be wise. There mark what ills the scholar's life assail,- Toil, envy, want, the patron, and the jail.”

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.

The poet urges ignoring worldly distractions, pausing to gain wisdom, noting scholars face toil, envy, need, patrons, and confinement.

In simple terms: Pause from worldly concerns to seek wisdom despite hardships.

Key Takeaway

Seek wisdom, not distractions.

Themes

wisdom distraction scholarship hardship

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • academic life
  • personal growth
  • creative work
  • financial strain

Key Concepts

philosophy human condition learning

Questions to Reflect On

  • What distractions hinder your learning?
  • How can you balance work and wisdom?
A Different Perspective

May idealize withdrawal without practical solutions.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Samuel Johnson

Explore all 1,998 Samuel Johnson quotes

More Being wise quotes

Browse all 310 Being wise quotes