Authorship Quote by Samuel Johnson
![“Who left nothing of authorship untouched, and touched nothing which he did not adorn. [Lat., Qui nullum fere scribendi genus non tetigit; nullum quod tetigit non ornavit.]” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/039/samuel-johnson-50_authorship_who-left-nothing-of-authorship-untouched_2931992.jpg)
“Who left nothing of authorship untouched, and touched nothing which he did not adorn. [Lat., Qui nullum fere scribendi genus non tetigit; nullum quod tetigit non ornavit.]”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Rambler No. 1, 1750
The quote warns against careless writing that either leaves no work untouched or decorates nothing that is not worthy of adornment.
In simple terms: Avoid both overreaching and neglect in writing.
Key Takeaway
Write with purpose and restraint.
Themes
discipline
craft
integrity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
advisory
literary
When to use this quote
- academic essays
- creative writing
- editing
- publishing
Key Concepts
literary criticism
self‑censorship
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you balance ambition with quality?
- When does restraint become limiting?
A Different Perspective
It may stifle bold experimentation if taken too strictly.
![“Ye who write, choose a subject suited to your abilities. [Lat., Sumite materiam vestris, qui scribitis, aequam Viribus.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/48e/horace-172_ability_ye-who-write-choose-a-subject-suited-to_108123.jpg)
![“All these teachers and [screenwriting] books mean you see movies that have been worked over by more committees wielding more rules, that all originality and authorship is lost. That's why you're seeing superstars like Brad Pitt in THE FIGHT CLUB and Tom Cruise in MAGNOLIA. They're desperately…” quote by Paul Schrader](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e40/paul-schrader-14587_authorship_all-these-teachers-and-screenwriting-boo_176880.jpg)