Advice Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Learn the leading precognita of all things-no need to turn over leaf by leaf, but grasp the trunk hard and you will shake all the branches. Advice cherished by Samuel Johnson that that, if one is to master any subject, one must first discover its general principles.”
About This Quote
Understanding fundamental principles lets you grasp complex subjects without examining every detail.
In simple terms: Learn basics to master a subject.
Key Takeaway
Master fundamentals before details.
Themes
learning
philosophy
education
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- studying
- teaching
- research
- problem solving
- strategic planning
Key Concepts
principles
abstraction
systems thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What principle underlies your field?
- How can you apply a core idea broadly?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on fundamentals may ignore important nuances.
![“[Samuel] Johnson's conversation was by much too strong for a person accustomed to obsequiousness and flattery; it was mustard in a young child's mouth!” quote by Hester Lynch Piozzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd9/hester-lynch-piozzi-27737_accustomed_samuel-johnson-s-conversation-was-by-muc_568232.jpg)
![“Mr. Langton one day asked him [Samuel Johnson] how he had acquired so accurate a knowledge of Latin, in which, I believe, he was exceeded by no man of his time; he said, 'My master whipt me very well. Without that, Sir, I should have done nothing.' He told Mr. Langton, that while Hunter was…” quote by James Boswell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/06b/james-boswell-7136_brothers-and-sisters_mr-langton-one-day-asked-him-samuel-john_491021.jpg)
![“In comparing these two writers, he [Samuel Johnson] used this expression: "that there was as great a difference between them as between a man who knew how a watch was made, and a man who could tell the hour by looking on the dial-plate." This was a short and a figurative statement of his…” quote by James Boswell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f19/james-boswell-7136_brighter_in-comparing-these-two-writers-he-samuel_445768.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
