Who said “He who praises everybody, praises nobody.”?

Verified

Samuel Johnson. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceJohnson's Works (1787), vol. XI, p. 216; This set included the Life of Samuel Johnson by Sir John Hawkins

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“He who praises everybody, praises nobody.”
— Samuel Johnson
VerifiedJohnson's Works (1787), vol. XI, p. 216; This set included the Life of Samuel Johnson by Sir John Hawkins · evidencePraise

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Johnson's Works (1787), vol. XI, p. 216; This set included the Life of Samuel Johnson by Sir John Hawkins.

APA

Johnson, S. (n.d.). He who praises everybody, praises nobody. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28657-he-who-praises-everybody-praises-nobody/

MLA

Johnson, Samuel. “He who praises everybody, praises nobody.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28657-he-who-praises-everybody-praises-nobody/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Johnson, Samuel. “He who praises everybody, praises nobody.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28657-he-who-praises-everybody-praises-nobody/.

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