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About this quote

What does it mean?
Having just enough knowledge to misquote reflects superficial understanding.
In plain terms
Knowing a little leads to misquoting.
What can you take from it?
Depth of knowledge prevents errors.

Where it applies

  • academic work
  • public speaking
  • social media

Putting it to work

  • study thoroughly
  • verify sources

Questions to consider

  • Why does shallow knowledge cause mistakes?
  • How can you ensure accuracy?

Another view

Sometimes misquotation can be intentional for effect.

More from Lord Byron

  1. A man must serve his time to every trade Save censure-critics are ready-made.

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  2. As soon Seek roses in December, ice in June; Hope constancy in wind, or corn in chaff; Believe a woman or an epitaph, Or any other thing that's false, before Y…

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  3. 'Tis pleasure, sure, to see one's name in print; A book's a book, although there's nothing in 't.

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