When I am giving the relation of a thing, remember to abstain from altering either in the matter or manner of speaking, so much, as that, if every one, afterwards, should alter as much, it would at last come to be properly false.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author advises telling the truth accurately, warning that small changes in reporting can accumulate into falsehoods if everyone does the same.
- In plain terms
- Speak truthfully because small lies add up to big falsehoods.
- What can you take from it?
- Accuracy in communication prevents the spread of misinformation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much alteration is too much when recounting events?
- Why is truth important in communication?
Another view
Absolute accuracy can be difficult to achieve in complex situations.
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