--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But it is evident, that these bursts of…" description: "\"But it is evident, that these bursts of universal distress are more dreaded than felt; thousands and ten thousands flourish in youth, and wither in age..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/198/samuel-johnson-50_age_but-it-is-evident-that-these-bursts-of-u_1355307.jpg" --- # But it is evident, that these bursts of universal distress… ![“But it is evident, that these bursts of universal distress are more dreaded than felt; thousands and ten thousands flourish in youth, and wither in age, without the knowledge of any other than domestic evils, and share the same pleasures and vexa­tions, whether their kings are mild or cruel…” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/198/samuel-johnson-50_age_but-it-is-evident-that-these-bursts-of-u_1355307.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/198/samuel-johnson-50_age_but-it-is-evident-that-these-bursts-of-u_1355307.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/198/samuel-johnson-50_age_but-it-is-evident-that-these-bursts-of-u_1355307.jpg) > “But it is evident, that these bursts of universal distress are more dreaded than felt; thousands and ten thousands flourish in youth, and wither in age, without the knowledge of any other than domestic evils, and share the same pleasures and vexa­tions, whether their kings are mild or cruel, whether the armies of their country pursue their enemies or retreat before them.” [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The passage argues that universal suffering is feared more than experienced, while many live their lives unaware of broader hardships, sharing similar joys and pains regardless of their rulers or wars. **In simple terms:** People often dread abstract suffering more than they actually feel, yet share common joys and woes. Key Takeaway Recognize shared humanity beyond perceived differences. Themes humanity philosophy history politics Mood thoughtful philosophical analytical Type observational philosophical When to use this quote - war periods - peaceful societies - personal reflection - public discourse Key Concepts existentialism social comparison collective experience Questions to Reflect On - What universal concerns dominate your thoughts? - How does awareness of shared experience affect your empathy? A Different Perspective The view may overlook individual variations in resilience and perception. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Age](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/age/) [Army](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/army/) [Country](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/country/) [Cruel Armies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cruel-armies-4622284/) [Distress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distress/) [Distress Dreaded](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distress-dreaded-4622281/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Evident](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evident/) [Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Felt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/felt/) [Kings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kings/) [Pleasure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pleasure/) [Pursue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pursue/) [Retreat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/retreat/) [Share](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/share/) [Ten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ten/) [Thousands Flourish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thousands-flourish-4622285/) [Universal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/universal/) [Universal Distress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/universal-distress-4622283/) [Youth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/youth/) [Youth Wither](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/youth-wither-4622282/) ## Related quotes > [It is not true that people are naturally equal for no two people can be together for even a half an hour without one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/it-is-not-true-that-people-are-naturally-equal-for-no-two-people-can/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Though it is evident, that not more than one age or people can deserve the censure of being more averse from learning than any…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/though-it-is-evident-that-not-more-than-one-age-or-people-can-deserve/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [ It is self-evident that any and all paths must be open to a researcher during the actual course of his \[or her\] investigations. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-weierstrass/it-is-self-evident-that-any-and-all-paths-must-be-open-to-a/) [Karl Weierstrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-weierstrass/) > ['The Sound of Things Falling' may be a page turner, but it's also a deep meditation on fate and death. 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