Brass balance scale tipped toward a cluster of purple grapes, opposite one grape, with green leaves

Original artwork, not a still

Samuel Johnson

Abstinence is as easy to me as temperance would be difficult.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker finds complete avoidance easier than keeping an activity within limits. The contrast separates refusing something altogether from continually deciding how much is enough. Framed as a personal comparison, the statement explains a preference for a clear boundary rather than claiming one method suits everyone.

Context reviewed

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