Complaining Quote by Samuel Johnson
“He who has provoked the shaft of wit, cannot complain that he smarts from it.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1758
Wit that provokes cannot be blamed for the pain it causes.
In simple terms: Provoking wit can’t be blamed for hurt.
Key Takeaway
Use wit responsibly.
Themes
humor
responsibility
communication
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- debate
- public speaking
- writing
Key Concepts
ethical speech
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- When does humor become harmful?
- How to balance wit and sensitivity?
A Different Perspective
May ignore impact on vulnerable audiences.
![“Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own [will], is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things…” quote by Paul the Apostle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5bb/paul-the-apostle-10243_accounts_love-is-patient-love-is-kind-and-is-not_260727.jpg)
