Books Quote by Samuel Johnson
““Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it. When we enquire into any subject, the first thing we have to do is to know what books have treated of it. This leads us to look at catalogues, and at the backs of books in libraries.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Rambler, 1750–1760
Understanding knowledge involves recognizing personal expertise versus knowing how to locate information, and beginning research by consulting existing literature and catalogs.
In simple terms: Know what you know and where to find what you don’t.
Key Takeaway
Start by checking catalogs and book backs.
Themes
research
learning
information literacy
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- academic study
- library research
- self‑education
- project planning
Key Concepts
epistemology
bibliography
scholarship
Questions to Reflect On
- What sources do you consult first?
- How do you balance personal knowledge with external research?
A Different Perspective
May overlook digital resources or non‑book sources.
