Be careful Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Since every man is obliged to promote happiness and virtue, he should be careful not to mislead unwary minds, by appearing to set too high a value upon things by which no real excellence is conferred.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral philosophy, 1765
People should avoid overstating the value of things lacking true merit, lest they mislead others seeking genuine excellence.
In simple terms: Don’t overvalue the mediocre.
Key Takeaway
Seek true quality, not false prestige.
Themes
ethics
philosophy
virtue
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- education
- consumer decisions
- leadership
- public discourse
Key Concepts
value judgment
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern genuine merit?
- When have you been misled by hype?
A Different Perspective
Societal pressure often inflates perceived value.
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
