---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The great end of prudence is to give…"
description: "\"The great end of prudence is to give cheerfulness to those hours which splendor cannot gild, and acclamation cannot exhilarate.\" — Samuel Johnson"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/samuel-johnson-50_cheerfulness_the-great-end-of-prudence-is-to-give-che_2824783.png"
---

#  The great end of prudence is to give cheerfulness to those…

![“The great end of prudence is to give cheerfulness to those hours which splendor cannot gild, and acclamation cannot exhilarate.” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/samuel-johnson-50_cheerfulness_the-great-end-of-prudence-is-to-give-che_2824783.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/samuel-johnson-50_cheerfulness_the-great-end-of-prudence-is-to-give-che_2824783.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/samuel-johnson-50_cheerfulness_the-great-end-of-prudence-is-to-give-che_2824783.png)

> “The great end of prudence is to give cheerfulness to those hours which splendor cannot gild, and acclamation cannot exhilarate.”

[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.

States that prudence’s ultimate goal is to bring cheerfulness to moments beyond material splendor.

**In simple terms:** Prudence seeks joy beyond wealth.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inner contentment.

Themes

wisdom contentment philosophy

Mood

thoughtful philosophical

Type

essay classic

When to use this quote

- Everyday life
- personal development
- ethical reflection

Key Concepts

Moral virtue human flourishing

Questions to Reflect On

- How can one balance prudence and pleasure?
- What defines true cheerfulness?

A Different Perspective

May neglect practical concerns.

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[Cheerfulness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cheerfulness/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Joy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/joy/) [Prudence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prudence/) [Splendor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/splendor/)

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## More by Samuel Johnson

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