The first part of this statement is quoted without attribution as early as 1897, and is widely attributed to Irving separately as well as in this joined form, but in research for Wikiquote, no original source has yet been found.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- This statement's origin is uncertain and lacks a verified source despite common attribution.
- In plain terms
- We do not know where this quote really came from.
- What can you take from it?
- Verify sources before accepting quotes as fact.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you verify information?
- Why does authorship matter?
Another view
Some ideas remain valuable even if origins are unclear.
More from Washington Irving
Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.
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