Common Quote by Samuel Johnson
“It is very common for us to desire most what we are least qualified to obtain.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1759
People often crave what they are least equipped to achieve.
In simple terms: We want what we can’t get.
Key Takeaway
Recognize realistic goals.
Themes
desire
qualification
aspiration
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- education choices
- relationship expectations
Key Concepts
psychology of longing
self-awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your unattainable desires?
- How can you align goals with abilities?
A Different Perspective
Desire can be unrealistic and lead to frustration.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
