Skip to content

Such is the state of every age, every sex, and every…

“Such is the state of every age, every sex, and every condition: all have their cares, either from nature or from folly; and whoever, therefore, finds himself inclined to envy another, should remember that he knows not the real condition which he desires to obtain, but is certain that by indulging…” quote by Samuel Johnson
Download Open image
“Such is the state of every age, every sex, and every condition: all have their cares, either from nature or from folly; and whoever, therefore, finds himself inclined to envy another, should remember that he knows not the real condition which he desires to obtain, but is certain that by indulging a vicious passion, he must lessen that happiness which he thinks already too sparingly bestowed.”

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.

Envy blinds us to our own reality; pursuing others’ desires harms our happiness.

In simple terms: Don’t compare; focus on your own life.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate contentment, avoid envy.

Themes

contentment self-awareness humility

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • relationship dynamics
  • social media use
  • personal finance

Key Concepts

Ethics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does true happiness look like for you?
  • How can you turn envy into personal growth?
A Different Perspective

Envy can motivate self-improvement if channeled constructively.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Samuel Johnson

Explore all 1,998 Samuel Johnson quotes

More Age quotes

Browse all 18,948 Age quotes