Samuel Johnson: Spend Less
on Wednesday, August 26, 2020Samuel Johnson Money Quote saying be frugal as you’ll not be happy living in poverty and it will be tough on you. Samuel Johnson said:
“Resolve not to be poor: whatever you have, spend less. Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it makes some virtues impracticable, and others extremely difficult” — Samuel Johnson
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In this quote, Samuel Johnson is providing advice on how to avoid poverty. When he says “resolve not to be poor” and suggests spending less than what one has, Johnson appears to be advocating living within or below one’s means financially.
He then outlines some of the negative impacts of poverty, such as that it “destroys liberty” by limiting choices, and makes practicing certain virtues (“some virtues”) either impossible or greatly challenging. Johnson seems to believe poverty inhibits happiness and freedom.
The overall interpretation is that Johnson viewed poverty as something that should be avoided through prudent financial management and restraint, as it can undermine well-being and moral functioning in significant ways according to his perspective.