Nothing ... will ever be attempted, if all possible objections must be first overcome.
Meaning
Johnson has the poet Imlac say this in Rasselas as he warns the prince about waiting for perfect conditions. Effort starts with imperfect odds. When you catch yourself listing objections to a project, pick the single biggest one, solve it, and begin anyway.
Source: The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia (1759), ch. 4
About the author
(1709–1784) was an English writer, critic, and lexicographer best known for compiling one of the first comprehensive English dictionaries. His work helped standardize the English language. Johnson’s essays, biographies, and literary criticism reflect his wit and intellect. He was a central figure in 18th-century literary circles. Samuel Johnson’s influence continues to be felt in language and literature.
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