Who said “We are inclined to believe those whom we don not know because they have never deceived us.”?

Verified

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

SourceThe Idler (1758–1760), No. 80 (27 October 1759)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Idler (1758–1760), No. 80 (27 October 1759).

APA

Johnson, S. (n.d.). We are inclined to believe those whom we don not know because they have never deceived us. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/20610-we-are-inclined-to-believe-those-whom-we/

MLA

Johnson, Samuel. “We are inclined to believe those whom we don not know because they have never deceived us.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/20610-we-are-inclined-to-believe-those-whom-we/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Johnson, Samuel. “We are inclined to believe those whom we don not know because they have never deceived us.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/20610-we-are-inclined-to-believe-those-whom-we/.