Desire Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion, and he whose real wants are suppliedmust admit those of fancy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1759
Desire drives motion; when basic needs are met, people turn to fantasies.
In simple terms: Basic needs fuel life; excess leads to fanciful wants.
Key Takeaway
Balance essential desires with healthy aspirations.
Themes
motivation
human nature
psychology
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- career planning
- creative projects
- goal setting
Key Concepts
Maslow’s hierarchy
self‑actualization
Questions to Reflect On
- What “fancy” distracts you?
- How can you channel desire constructively?
A Different Perspective
Excess desire can cause distraction from essential goals.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
