---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Levellers wish to level down as far as…"
description: "\"Levellers wish to level down as far as themselves; but they cannot bear levelling up to themselves.\" — Samuel Johnson"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba9/samuel-johnson-50_bears_levellers-wish-to-level-down-as-far-as-t_3138156.png"
---

#  Levellers wish to level down as far as themselves; but…

![“Levellers wish to level down as far as themselves; but they cannot bear levelling up to themselves.” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba9/samuel-johnson-50_bears_levellers-wish-to-level-down-as-far-as-t_3138156.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba9/samuel-johnson-50_bears_levellers-wish-to-level-down-as-far-as-t_3138156.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba9/samuel-johnson-50_bears_levellers-wish-to-level-down-as-far-as-t_3138156.png)

> “Levellers wish to level down as far as themselves; but they cannot bear levelling up to themselves.”

[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.

People who want to bring everyone down to their level cannot accept being lifted themselves.

**In simple terms:** Desiring equality while resenting personal success.

Key Takeaway

Recognize personal growth as separate from others' failures.

Themes

equality humility social dynamics

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

- political discourse
- personal development
- team dynamics

Key Concepts

human nature status anxiety

Questions to Reflect On

- How does personal success affect your view of others?
- Can equality exist without resentment?

A Different Perspective

It ignores the possibility of mutual uplift.

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