Age Quote by Samuel Johnson
“To proportion the eagerness of contest to its importance seems too hard a task for human wisdom. The pride of wit has kept ages busy in the discussion of useless questions, and the pride of power has destroyed armies, to gain or to keep unprofitable possessions.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1758
Human desire for competition and power often leads to futile pursuits, wasting wisdom on trivialities and destructive ambitions.
In simple terms: People chase empty contests and power.
Key Takeaway
Focus on meaningful, constructive goals.
Themes
wisdom
pride
human folly
competition
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- political leadership
- personal ambition
- education
- public policy
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
political power
Questions to Reflect On
- What truly valuable pursuits should we prioritize?
- How can societies curb pride-driven conflicts?
A Different Perspective
Pursuing significance can be subjective and culturally biased.
