Admonition Quote by Samuel Johnson
“It is the condition of our present state to see more than we can attain; the exactest vigilance and caution can never maintain a single day of unmingled innocence.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Idler,” 1759
Human beings constantly desire more than they can achieve, and even the highest vigilance cannot preserve pure innocence.
In simple terms: Desire exceeds capacity, and vigilance cannot keep innocence intact.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits and practice realistic expectations.
Themes
desire
vigilance
innocence
human condition
limitations
Mood
cautionary
philosophical
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- goal setting
- risk management
- education
- spiritual practice
- leadership
Key Concepts
ethics
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What desires exceed your capacity?
- How can you protect innocence in a complex world?
A Different Perspective
Even with effort, some loss of innocence is inevitable.
![“Reprehension is a kind of middle thing betwixt admonition and correction: it is sharpe admonition, but a milde correction. It is rather to be used because it may be a meanes to prevent strokes and blowes, especially in ingenuous and good natured children. [Blows are] the last remedy which a parent…” quote by William Gouge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b8/william-gouge-47709_admonition_reprehension-is-a-kind-of-middle-thing-b_174332.jpg)
