Sir, what is Poetry? Why, Sir, it is much easier to say wha… - Samuel Johnson

" "
Sir, what is Poetry? Why, Sir, it is much easier to say what it is not. We all know what light is: but it is not easy to tell what it is.

Samuel Johnson

Sources available for members. Sign up free to see where this quote comes from

English

Collect this quote

About Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson (18 September 1709 [7 September O.S.] – 13 December 1784) was a British author, linguist and lexicographer. He is often referred to as simply Dr. Johnson in the history of literature and is regarded as the greatest man of letters in English history.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Alternative Names: Dr Johnson • Dr. Johnson • Great Moralist

All quotes from Samuel Johnson Similar Quotes by other Originators

Originators like Samuel Johnson:

William Hazlitt Michel de Montaigne Jonathan Swift Joseph Addison Benjamin Franklin

Additional quotes by Samuel Johnson

Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he doesn't possess.

The opinions prevalent in one age, as truths above the reach of controversy, are confuted and rejected in another, and rise again to reception in remoter times. Thus the human mind is kept in motion without progress.

If a man does not make new acquaintance as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, Sir, should keep his friendship in a constant repair.

Sir, what is Poetry? Why, Sir, it is much easier to say what it is not. We all know what light is: but it is not easy to tell what it is. - Samuel Johnson

About Samuel Johnson

Also Known As

Unlimited Quote Collections

Additional quotes by Samuel Johnson

Go Premium