Acceptance Quote by Hester Lynch Piozzi
“What signifies, says some one, giving halfpence to beggars? they only lay it out in gin or tobacco. "And why should they be denied such sweeteners of their existence (says Johnson)? it is surely very savage to refuse them every possible avenue to pleasure, reckoned too coarse for our own acceptance. Life is a pill which none of us can bear to swallow without gilding; yet for the poor we delight in stripping it still barer, and are not ashamed to shew even visible displeasure, if ever the bitter taste is taken from their mouths."”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Life of Mrs. Piozzi by Hester Lynch Piozzi, 1798
The passage critiques the hypocrisy of denying the poor simple comforts while criticizing them for seeking it, highlighting societal cruelty toward the disadvantaged.
In simple terms: Denial of small comforts to the poor is cruel.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address basic needs of the vulnerable.
Themes
social justice
poverty
hypocrisy
compassion
Mood
reflective
critical
empathetic
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- public policy
- community aid
- charitable programs
- social welfare
- education on inequality
Key Concepts
ethics
human dignity
class disparity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance moral responsibility with resource allocation?
- What small actions can reduce suffering without paternalism?
A Different Perspective
Even with basic comforts, deeper systemic inequities remain.
![“[Samuel] Johnson's conversation was by much too strong for a person accustomed to obsequiousness and flattery; it was mustard in a young child's mouth!” quote by Hester Lynch Piozzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd9/hester-lynch-piozzi-27737_accustomed_samuel-johnson-s-conversation-was-by-muc_568232.jpg)
