Skip to content

Desire Quote by Samuel Johnson

“The disturbers of happiness are our desires, our griefs, and our fears.” quote by Samuel Johnson
Download Open image
“The disturbers of happiness are our desires, our griefs, and our fears.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Idler, 1759

Desires, grief, and fears disturb happiness, acting as internal obstacles to peace.

In simple terms: Desires, grief, fears disrupt happiness.

Key Takeaway

Manage inner turmoil.

Themes

philosophy psychology well‑being

Mood

contemplative philosophical

Type

literary inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • stress management
  • mindfulness practice

Key Concepts

attachment suffering mental equilibrium

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you reduce desire without losing motivation?
  • What practices calm grief and fear?
A Different Perspective

Complete elimination of desire may be unrealistic.

4.1 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Samuel Johnson

Explore all 1,998 Samuel Johnson quotes

More Desire quotes

Browse all 15,155 Desire quotes