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Art Quote by Samuel Johnson

“Books to judicious compilers, are useful; to particular arts and professions, they are absolutely necessary; to men of real science, they are tools: but more are tools to them.” quote by Samuel Johnson
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“Books to judicious compilers, are useful; to particular arts and professions, they are absolutely necessary; to men of real science, they are tools: but more are tools to them.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Idler, 1759

Books serve as tools: useful for compilers, essential for arts, and indispensable for science, yet they remain merely instruments.

In simple terms: Books are tools for knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Use books wisely.

Themes

education knowledge utility

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • studying
  • research
  • teaching

Key Concepts

philosophy of education information theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes a book indispensable?
  • How do we avoid overreliance on texts?
A Different Perspective

Books cannot replace critical thinking.

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