Attention Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Do not hope wholly to reason away your troubles; do not feed them with attention, and they will die imperceptibly away. Fix your thoughts upon your business, fill your intervals with company, and sunshine will again break in upon your mind.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1759
He advises against obsessing over problems; instead, stay busy with work and company, letting light return to the mind.
In simple terms: Avoid dwelling on worries; stay occupied with purpose
Key Takeaway
Keep busy to calm the mind
Themes
mental health
focus
productivity
mindset
self‑care
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
self‑help
When to use this quote
- Work projects
- social gatherings
- hobbies
- volunteer work
Key Concepts
Stoicism
cognitive distraction
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What tasks help you reset your thoughts?
- Can bus replace professional help for anxiety?
A Different Perspective
Distraction may not solve underlying issues
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
