Top 44 Quotes by Philip Johnson

About Philip Johnson

These are some quotes by American author Philip Johnson Architect, who lived between July 8, 1906 and January 25, 2005.

Dullness is the enemy.

Dullness is the enemy.

Philip Johnson

The first complete sentence out of my mouth was probably that line about consistency being the hobgoblin of small minds.

The first complete sentence out of my mouth was probably that line about consistency being the hobgoblin of small minds.

Philip Johnson

I like to be buttoned onto tradition. The thing is to improve it, twist it and mold it; to make something new of it; not to deny it. The riches of history can be plucked at any point.

I like to be buttoned onto tradition. The thing is to improve it, twist it and mold it; to make something new of it; not to deny it. The riches of history can be plucked at any point.

Philip Johnson

In my own work, I'd say I'm a classicist, but I look everywhere for my solutions. I don't study the toilet-living habits of my clients, although that's a popular approach. First, I think of every building in history that has been similar in purpose. Then I think of the functional program - that's a major part of the study.

Philip Johnson

I'm about four skyscrapers behind.

I'm about four skyscrapers behind.

Philip Johnson

Doing a house is so much harder than doing a skyscraper.

Doing a house is so much harder than doing a skyscraper.

Philip Johnson

I hate vacations. If you can build buildings, why sit on the beach?

I hate vacations. If you can build buildings, why sit on the beach?

Philip Johnson

I used to think that each phase of life was the end. But now that my view on life is more or less fixed, I believe that change is a great thing. In fact, it's the only real absolute in the world.

I used to think that each phase of life was the end. But now that my view on life is more or less fixed, I believe that change is a great thing. In fact, it's the only real absolute in the world.

Philip Johnson

I like the thought that what we are to do on this earth is embellish it for its greater beauty, so that oncoming generations can look back to the shapes we leave here and get the same thrill that I get in looking back at theirs - at the Parthenon, at Chartres Cathedral.

Philip Johnson

You cannot not know history.

You cannot not know history.

Philip Johnson

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