Quote by Samuel Johnson
If a madman were to come into this room with a stick in his hand, no doubt we should pity the state of his mind; but our primary consideration would be to take care of ourselves. We should knock him down first, and pity him afterwards.
Summary
This quote reflects a pragmatic approach to dealing with threats or dangerous situations. It suggests that self-preservation is a priority when faced with potential harm. While acknowledging the unfortunate mental state of the "madman," the quote emphasizes the need to protect oneself by utilizing force if necessary. It implies that it is essential to prioritize personal safety before extending compassion or pity towards others.