Being wise Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Deign on the passing world to turn thine eyes, And pause a while from learning to be wise. There mark what ills the scholar's life assail,- Toil, envy, want, the patron, and the jail.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Vanity of Human Wishes, 1749
The poet urges ignoring worldly distractions, pausing to gain wisdom, noting scholars face toil, envy, need, patrons, and confinement.
In simple terms: Pause from worldly concerns to seek wisdom despite hardships.
Key Takeaway
Seek wisdom, not distractions.
Themes
wisdom
distraction
scholarship
hardship
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- academic life
- personal growth
- creative work
- financial strain
Key Concepts
philosophy
human condition
learning
Questions to Reflect On
- What distractions hinder your learning?
- How can you balance work and wisdom?
A Different Perspective
May idealize withdrawal without practical solutions.
