Avarice Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Avarice is a uniform and tractable vice; other intellectual distempers are different in different constitutions of mind. That which soothes the pride of one will offend the pride of another, but to the favor of the covetous bring money, and nothing is denied.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral and Political Essays, 1765
Avarice is a clear, manageable vice, while other vices vary with individual temperament.
In simple terms: Greed is simple; other flaws differ per person.
Key Takeaway
Recognize greed’s simplicity versus complex vices.
Themes
greed
human nature
psychology
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- financial decisions
- leadership
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
individual differences
ethical behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal temperament affect moral choices?
- Can greed be redirected positively?
A Different Perspective
Not all vices are equally addressable.
