The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken

The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken

Samuel Johnson, the renowned English writer, once famously said, “The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.” This profound statement speaks to the power of habits in shaping our lives and the difficulty of breaking free from them once they have taken hold.

Johnson himself was no stranger to the power of habits. He was known for his strict daily routine, which included waking up early, working diligently on his writing, and engaging in intellectual pursuits. These habits helped him become one of the most influential literary figures of his time, but they also became a source of constraint for him. Johnson struggled with depression and anxiety throughout his life, and his rigid habits may have contributed to his mental health issues.