Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Legendary status persists even when factual truth fades over time.
In plain terms
Myths last longer than reality.
What can you take from it?
Legends outlive facts.

Where it applies

  • public history
  • storytelling
  • reputation

Putting it to work

  • manage reputation
  • create memorable work
  • distinguish fact from fame

Questions to consider

  • Why do stories survive?
  • Is truth always better than myth?

Another view

Some truths do endure and shape history effectively.

More from Helen Hayes

  1. I'm leaving the screen because I don't think I am very good in the pictures and I have this beautiful dream that I'm elegant on the stage.

    Permalink to quote #30
  2. Mere longevity is a good thing for those who watch Life from the side lines. For those who play the game, an hour may be a year, a single day's work an achieve…

    Permalink to quote #32
  3. I was the youngest star the New York stage ever had and it darn near wrecked me.

    Permalink to quote #29

Related quotes

  1. But Argos can do without the house of Atreus. Ancient houses are not eternal.

    Constantine P. CavafyConstantine P. Cavafy quote #1
  2. My dreams are over, I have ceased to cry Against the fate that made men love my mouth And left their spirits all too deaf to hear The little songs that echoed …

    Sara TeasdaleSara Teasdale quote #2
  3. Welcome, brave Hero, to this course Retreat, Thou who excell'st whatever Rome call'd great; Great as thou art, yet others of thy Name Shall thee transcend in m…

    Jane BarkerJane Barker quote #2