Skip to content

Care Quote by Samuel Johnson

“To be idle and to be poor have always been reproaches, and therefore every man endeavors with his utmost care to hide his poverty from others, and his idleness from himself.” quote by Samuel Johnson
Download Open image
“To be idle and to be poor have always been reproaches, and therefore every man endeavors with his utmost care to hide his poverty from others, and his idleness from himself.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Idler, 1765

Idle and poor are socially shamed, prompting people to conceal both external poverty and internal laziness.

In simple terms: People hide poverty and laziness due to shame.

Key Takeaway

Be honest about struggles.

Themes

social stigma poverty idleness

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • job search
  • financial planning
  • self‑assessment

Key Concepts

self‑deception social perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the costs of hiding hardship?
  • How can you foster openness about need?
A Different Perspective

Denial can prevent seeking help.

3.9 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Samuel Johnson

Explore all 1,998 Samuel Johnson quotes

More Care quotes

Browse all 19,019 Care quotes