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About this quote

What does it mean?
A small amount of malice can twist a half-truth into a completely false absolute truth.
In plain terms
Mixing a bit of lies into truth makes it seem like full truth.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of truths that carry a hint of malice.

Where it applies

  • news consumption
  • political speeches
  • social media

Putting it to work

  • fact-check claims
  • analyze intent
  • seek multiple sources

Questions to consider

  • Who benefits from this truth?
  • Is there hidden venom here?

Another view

Some absolute truths are established through consensus.

More from Eric Hoffer

  1. To know a person's religion we need not listen to his profession of faith but must find his brand of intolerance.

    Permalink to quote #60
  2. To spell out the obvious is often to call it in question.

    Permalink to quote #62
  3. With some people solitariness is an escape not from others but from themselves. For they see in the eyes of others only a reflection of themselves.

    Permalink to quote #59

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