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Danger Quote by Samuel Johnson

“Small debts are like small shot; they are rattling on every side, and can scarcely be escaped without a wound: great debts are like cannon; of loud noise, but little danger.” quote by Samuel Johnson
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“Small debts are like small shot; they are rattling on every side, and can scarcely be escaped without a wound: great debts are like cannon; of loud noise, but little danger.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Idler, 1759

Minor debts are noisy and irritating, while large debts are loud but less harmful; the former cause constant trouble, the latter are mostly symbolic.

In simple terms: Small debts cause constant hassle; big debts are mostly symbolic.

Key Takeaway

Beware of many small obligations.

Themes

finance risk psychology

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advisory philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal budgeting
  • business loans
  • government debt

Key Concepts

economics behavioral finance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you manage many small expenses?
  • When do big debts become dangerous?
A Different Perspective

Large debts can become catastrophic if ignored.

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