Samuel Johnson – A madman with a stick Share this quote: 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. – Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) Is this quotation insightful, though-provoking, useful? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0