Who said “A wise skepticism is the first attribute of a good critic.”?

Verified

James Russell Lowell. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceLiterary Essays, vol. III (1870-1890)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Literary Essays, vol. III (1870-1890).

APA

Lowell, J. R. (n.d.). A wise skepticism is the first attribute of a good critic. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/12266-a-wise-skepticism-is-the-first-attribute-of/

MLA

Lowell, James Russell. “A wise skepticism is the first attribute of a good critic.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/12266-a-wise-skepticism-is-the-first-attribute-of/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Lowell, James Russell. “A wise skepticism is the first attribute of a good critic.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/12266-a-wise-skepticism-is-the-first-attribute-of/.