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Contemplative Quote by Samuel Johnson

“Curiosity is, in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last; and perhaps always predominates in proportion to the strength of the contemplative faculties. He who easily comprehends all that is before him, and soon exhausts any single subject, is always eager for new inquiries; and in…” quote by Samuel Johnson
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“Curiosity is, in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last; and perhaps always predominates in proportion to the strength of the contemplative faculties. He who easily comprehends all that is before him, and soon exhausts any single subject, is always eager for new inquiries; and in proportion as the intellectual eye takes in a wider prospect, it must be gratified with variety, by more rapid flights and bolder excursions.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Idler, 1759

A curious mind constantly seeks new knowledge, finding joy in varied intellectual pursuits.

In simple terms: Curiosity drives endless learning.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate diverse interests.

Themes

curiosity learning intellectual growth

Mood

inquisitive enthusiastic

Type

reflective inspirational

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • personal development
  • creative problem solving

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology education

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance breadth and depth?
  • What fuels your curiosity?
A Different Perspective

May lead to superficial understanding without depth.

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