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Samuel Johnson Quotes about Temptation

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Man's chief merit consists in resisting the impulses of his nature.

Man's chief merit consists in resisting the impulses of his nature.

Samuel Johnson
Men, Temptation, Merit
Samuel Johnson (1966). “Johnsonian miscellanies”, Constable

The fortitude which has encountered no dangers, that prudence which has surmounted no difficulties, that integrity which has been attacked by no temptation, can at best be considered but as gold not yet brought to the test, of which therefore the true value cannot be assigned.

Samuel Johnson
Integrity, Temptation, Gold
Samuel Johnson, William Page (1860). “Life and Writings”, p.120

We love to overlook the boundaries which we do not wish to pass.

Samuel Johnson
Love, Temptation, Wish
Samuel Johnson (1793). “The Rambler”, p.257

There is a certain degree of temptation which will overcome any virtue. Now, in so far as you approach temptation to a man, you do him an injury; and, if he is overcome, you share his guilt.

Samuel Johnson
Men, Temptation, Guilt
James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, Edmond Malone (1824). “The life of Samuel Johnson, LL. D., comprehending an account of his studies, and numerous works, in chronological order: a series of his epistolary correspondence and conversations with many eminent persons; and various original pieces of his composition, never before published; the whole exhibiting a view of literature and literary men in Great Britain, for near half a century during which he flourished”, p.229

Parents and children seldom act in concert: each child endeavors to appropriate the esteem or fondness of the parents, and the parents, with yet less temptation, betray each other to their children.

Samuel Johnson
Children, Parent, Temptation
Samuel Johnson (1809). “Rasselas: A Tale”, p.78

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