Samuel Johnson Quotes on Thinking

5 quotes

  1. The student who would build his knowledge on solid foundations, and proceed by just degrees to the pinnacles of truth, is directed by the great philosopher of France to begin by doubting of his own existence. In like manner, whoever would complete any arduous and intricate enterprise, should, as soon as his imagination can cool after the first blaze of hope, place before his own eyes every possible embarrassment that may retard or defeat him. He should first question the probability of success, and then endeavour to remove the objections that he has raised.

  2. He delighted to tread upon the brink of meaning.

  3. That fellow seems to me to possess but one idea, and that is a wrong one.

  4. No man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, or more wise when he had.

  5. A man might write such stuff for ever, if he would abandon his mind to it.

All Samuel Johnson quotes