This quote suggests that every society, regardless of its level of development or wealth, is as luxurious as it can possibly be given its circumstances. This is because human beings always strive to attain the best possible conditions for themselves. Luxury here doesn’t necessarily refer to material wealth or opulence but rather the highest quality of life that a society can achieve with its available resources.
The second part of the quote, “Men always take the best they can get,” underscores this idea by stating that people inherently seek out the most beneficial situations or outcomes for themselves. It implies a natural instinct towards self-improvement and maximization of personal comfort and satisfaction.
Applying this concept in today’s world could involve recognizing and appreciating what we have rather than constantly comparing ourselves to others who we perceive as ‘better off.’ In an era where social media often highlights only the positive aspects of people’s lives, it’s easy to feel like we’re not doing enough or don’t have enough. However, according to Johnson’s perspective, each individual is living their own version of luxury based on their unique circumstances.
In terms of personal development, this quote might suggest focusing on maximizing our potential within our current circumstances rather than striving for unattainable ideals. This could mean making the most out of our talents and opportunities instead of dwelling on what we lack. The idea is not about complacency but about understanding our capacity for growth within our existing situation.
Moreover, it encourages us to redefine luxury from material possessions into more abstract concepts like peace-of-mind, contentment and fulfillment which are all subjective states dependent upon individual perspectives rather than societal standards.
