Degrees Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Scarcely any degree of judgment is sufficient to restrain the imagination from magnifying that on which it is long detained”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1759
Judgment alone cannot fully curb imagination; it still expands on restrained ideas.
In simple terms: Judgment limits but doesn't stop imagination.
Key Takeaway
Balance critique with creative freedom.
Themes
imagination
judgment
creativity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- writing
- artistic development
- problem solving
Key Concepts
critical thinking
creative restraint
Questions to Reflect On
- When does judgment help imagination?
- How can we harness both?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on judgment can stifle innovation.
![“[Photography is ] likewise even French impressionists. So the Sculls bought pop. It was politics, and they moved with it. And I think that could be happening, to some degree, with photography, too. It doesn't cost as much to do it, either.” quote by Garry Winogrand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2eb/garry-winogrand-2342_cost_photography-is-likewise-even-french-impr_2802.jpg)
![“What are you for? It may be, to a degree, consoling that white brothers and sisters did not vote for [Donald] Trump, and do not participate in that brand of animus, that gas-bagging of enormous bigotry.” quote by Michael Eric Dyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/01d/michael-eric-dyson-1424_animus_what-are-you-for-it-may-be-to-a-degree-c_14940.jpg)
