Skip to content

Children Quote by Samuel Johnson

“APPANAGE (A'PPANAGE) n.s.[appanagium, low Latin; probably from panis, bread.]Lands set apart by princes for the maintenance of their younger children. He became suitor for the earldom of Chester, a kind of appanage to Wales, and using to go to the king’s son.Bacon. Had he thought it fit,That…” quote by Samuel Johnson
Download Open image
““APPANAGE  (A'PPANAGE)   n.s.[appanagium, low Latin; probably from panis, bread.]Lands set apart by princes for the maintenance of their younger children. He became suitor for the earldom of Chester, a kind of appanage to Wales, and using to go to the king’s son.Bacon. Had he thought it fit,That wealth should be the appanage of wit,The God of light could ne’er have been so blind,To deal it to the worst of human kind.Swift.””

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Idler by Samuel Johnson, 1759

Appanage, originally land for royal children, is likened to wit’s wealth, suggesting that intellect can be a source of both sustenance and blindness.

In simple terms: Intellect can be both a gift and a curse.

Key Takeaway

Use wit wisely.

Themes

knowledge power responsibility

Mood

cautious inquisitive

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • academic pursuits
  • creative writing
  • leadership decisions

Key Concepts

intellectual humility ethical use of talent

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure your knowledge serves the common good?
  • When might brilliance become dangerous?
A Different Perspective

Intellect without moral guidance can harm society.

3.1 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Samuel Johnson

Explore all 1,998 Samuel Johnson quotes

More Children quotes

Browse all 62,417 Children quotes