---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Is not a patron, my lord, one who looks…"
description: "\"Is not a patron, my lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and when he has reached ground encumbers him with hel..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a8a/samuel-johnson-50_care_is-not-a-patron-my-lord-one-who-looks-wi_1727652.jpg"
---

#  Is not a patron, my lord, one who looks with unconcern on…

![“Is not a patron, my lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and when he has reached ground encumbers him with help? The notice which you have been pleased to take care of my labors, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am…” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a8a/samuel-johnson-50_care_is-not-a-patron-my-lord-one-who-looks-wi_1727652.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a8a/samuel-johnson-50_care_is-not-a-patron-my-lord-one-who-looks-wi_1727652.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a8a/samuel-johnson-50_care_is-not-a-patron-my-lord-one-who-looks-wi_1727652.jpg)

> “Is not a patron, my lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and when he has reached ground encumbers him with help? The notice which you have been pleased to take care of my labors, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary, and cannot impart it; till I am known, and do not want it.”

[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.

A patron should aid those in need promptly, not delay assistance until they are indifferent or isolated.

**In simple terms:** Help should be given promptly, not delayed.

Key Takeaway

Offer timely support to those struggling.

Themes

charity responsibility humanity

Mood

compassionate critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

- disaster relief
- medical aid
- community service

Key Concepts

ethics social duty

Questions to Reflect On

- What prevents us from helping immediately?
- How does delayed aid affect the recipient?

A Different Perspective

Delays may stem from bureaucracy or selfishness.

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