Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be… — Samuel Johnson | Printable Wall Art

“Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.”

Words by Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) — Writer and lexicographer, compiled A Dictionary of the English Language.

About this quote

This quote warns against perfectionism and overthinking before taking action. If we wait until every risk is eliminated and every doubt is resolved, we will remain completely motionless. Johnson reminds us that progress requires a degree of uncertainty. True ambition demands accepting potential flaws, as waiting for absolute certainty guarantees that no project will ever begin.

This line appears in Samuel Johnson's 1759 philosophical fable, Rasselas. It is spoken by the character Imlac during a conversation about the pursuit of knowledge, art, and the inherent risks of human endeavour.

People often display this print in a home office or study to encourage decisive action over hesitation.

What you get

An instant digital download. Choose your design and size at checkout — 19 typographic designs and 8 print sizes are available for this quote.

• Print-ready PDF with fully embedded vector type — sharp at any scale
• Exact trim size, no cropping required
• Print at home, at a local print shop, or upload to an online printer
• Instant download — no physical item is shipped

Sizes available

5" x 7" · 8" x 10" · 11" x 14" · 12" x 16" · 16" x 20" · 18" x 24" · 24" x 36" · A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

Designs available

Atelier Serif · Quiet Garamond · Studio Left · Gallery Rule · Midnight Serif · Editorial Left Serif · Modern Sans Calm · Letterpress Caps · Poster Condensed · Script Whisper · Manuscript Italic · Asymmetric Left · Minimal Unsigned · Charcoal Sans · Gallery Frame · Soft Serif Right · Statement Serif · Night Script · Tracked Caps Unsigned

Digital product. Colours may vary slightly between screens and printers. Frames and props are not included.