Who said “Promise, large promise, is the soul of an advertisement.”?

Verified

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

SourceThe Idler (1758–1760), No. 40 (20 January 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. 40 (20 January 1759).

APA

Johnson, S. (n.d.). Promise, large promise, is the soul of an advertisement. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/389-promise-large-promise-is-the-soul-of-an/

MLA

Johnson, Samuel. “Promise, large promise, is the soul of an advertisement.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/389-promise-large-promise-is-the-soul-of-an/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Johnson, Samuel. “Promise, large promise, is the soul of an advertisement.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/389-promise-large-promise-is-the-soul-of-an/.