Age Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Ye who listen with credulity to the whispers of fancy, and pursue with eagerness the phantoms of hope; who expect that age will perform the promises of youth, and that the deficiencies of the present day will be supplied by the morrow, - attend to the history of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia by Samuel Johnson, 1759
The quote warns against naive optimism and urges learning from history rather than relying on future promises.
In simple terms: Don’t trust hopeful fantasies; study the past.
Key Takeaway
Seek wisdom from experience, not wishful thinking.
Themes
optimism
history
expectations
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- financial investing
- personal growth
- political decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
human nature
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance hope with realistic assessment?
- What historical lessons can inform your current goals?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic hope can ignore present realities.
