Windbags can be right. Aphorists can be wrong. It is a tough world.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Even those who talk a lot can be correct, while experts can be mistaken; the world is harsh.
- In plain terms
- Talkers may be right, experts can be wrong; life is tough.
- What can you take from it?
- Don't trust authority blindly.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you assess credibility?
- When should you doubt expertise?
Another view
It oversimplifies the relationship between talkativeness and accuracy.
More from James Fenton
A serious mistake in a nightie, A grave disappointment all round Is all that you'll get from th'Almighty, Is all that you'll get underground. Oh he said: 'If y…
Permalink to quote #3 The writing of a poem is like a child throwing stones into a mineshaft. You compose first, then you listen for the reverberation.
Permalink to quote #5 Yes You have come upon the fabled lands where myths Go when they die, But some, especially the Brummagem capitalist Juju, have arrived prematurely.
Permalink to quote #2
Related quotes
Never forget what a man says to you when he is angry.
Henry Ward BeecherHenry Ward Beecher quote #1 'Don't ever ask me for a true statement again!'
Evan MechamEvan Mecham quote #1 Please don't lie to me, unless you're absolutely sure I'll never find out the truth.
Ashleigh BrilliantAshleigh Brilliant quote #1