Who said “He is no wise man that will quit a certainty for an uncertainty.”?

Verified

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

SourceThe Idler (1758–1760), No. 57 (19 May 1759)

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Idler (1758–1760), No. 57 (19 May 1759).

APA

Johnson, S. (n.d.). He is no wise man that will quit a certainty for an uncertainty. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/42093-he-is-no-wise-man-that-will-quit/

MLA

Johnson, Samuel. “He is no wise man that will quit a certainty for an uncertainty.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/42093-he-is-no-wise-man-that-will-quit/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Johnson, Samuel. “He is no wise man that will quit a certainty for an uncertainty.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/42093-he-is-no-wise-man-that-will-quit/.

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Text: Torat Emet via Sefaria (public domain)

VerifiedMishnah, Pirkei Avot 4:1 (Ben Zoma) · evidenceDetails & citeWisdom
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