Who said “Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble.”?

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

SourceThe Rambler (1750–1752), No. 135 (2 July 1751)

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“Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble.”
— Samuel Johnson
VerifiedThe Rambler (1750–1752), No. 135 (2 July 1751) · evidenceImitation
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Rambler (1750–1752), No. 135 (2 July 1751).

APA

Johnson, S. (n.d.). Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/23926-almost-all-absurdity-of-conduct-arises-from-the/

MLA

Johnson, Samuel. “Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/23926-almost-all-absurdity-of-conduct-arises-from-the/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Johnson, Samuel. “Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/23926-almost-all-absurdity-of-conduct-arises-from-the/.

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