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About this quote

What does it mean?
This criticizes distinctions that appear different but amount to the same thing.
In plain terms
Calling things different when they are the same.
What can you take from it?
Avoid using distinctions that lack real substance.

Where it applies

  • debate
  • writing
  • policy discussion

Putting it to work

  • improving clarity
  • spotting fallacies

Questions to consider

  • When do distinctions matter?
  • How can we communicate more clearly?

Another view

Sometimes small differences matter contextually.

More from Henry Fielding

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  3. In reality, the world have payed too great a compliment to critics, and have imagined them men of much greater profundity than they really are.

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