Quote by Samuel Johnson

It has been observed in all ages that the advantages of nature or of fortune have contributed very little to the promotion of happiness; and that those whom the splendour of their rank, or the extent of their capacity, have placed upon the summits of human life, have not often given any just occasion to envy in those who look up to them from a lower station; whether it be that apparent superiority incites great designs, and great designs are naturally liable to fatal miscarriages; or that the general lot of mankind is misery, and the misfortunes of those whose eminence drew upon them an universal attention, have been more carefully recorded, because they were more generally observed, and have in reality only been more conspicuous than others, not more frequent, or more severe.

Summary

This quote suggests that throughout history, it has been observed that wealth or social status do not significantly contribute to the happiness of individuals. Those who have reached high positions due to either their natural talents or fortunate circumstances rarely evoke envy from those below them. This could be because their apparent superiority may lead to ambitious aspirations that are prone to failure. Alternatively, it could be that human existence is characterized by misery, and the misfortunes of those in the spotlight of fame are simply more closely scrutinized and noticed. Their misfortunes are not necessarily more frequent or severe than those experienced by others.