Approach Quote by Samuel Johnson
“There is a certain degree of temptation which will overcome any virtue. Now, in so far as you approach temptation to a man, you do him an injury; and, if he is overcome, you share his guilt.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1758
Temptation can overpower virtue; harming others through temptation also implicates you in guilt.
In simple terms: Temptation harms both the tempted and those around them.
Key Takeaway
Guard against temptation to protect yourself and others.
Themes
ethics
temptation
virtue
guilt
responsibility
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- making ethical choices at work
- teaching children about honesty
- handling peer pressure
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
human weakness
social impact
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can reduce temptation?
- How do you address shared guilt?
A Different Perspective
Temptation is sometimes unavoidable; not all guilt is shared equally.
![“For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging…” quote by Joyce Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e8c/joyce-meyer-123_god-is-faithful_for-no-temptation-no-trial-regarded-as-e_1453169.jpg)
