Lord Peter Wimsey: Facts, Bunter, must have facts. When I…
““Lord Peter Wimsey: Facts, Bunter, must have facts. When I was a small boy, I always hated facts. Thought they were nasty, hard things, all nobs. Mervyn Bunter: Yes, my lord. My old mother always used to say... Lord Peter Wimsey: Your mother, Bunter? Oh, I never knew you had one. I always thought you just sort of came along already-made, so it were. Oh, excuse me. How infernally rude of me. Beg pardon, I'm sure. Mervyn Bunter: That's all right, my lord. Lord Peter Wimsey: Thank you. Mervyn Bunter: Yes indeed, I was one of seven. Lord Peter Wimsey: That is pure invention, Bunter, I know better. You are unique. But you were going to tell me about your mater. Mervyn Bunter: Oh yes, my lord. My old mother always used to say that facts are like cows. If you stare them in the face hard enough, and they generally run away. Lord Peter Wimsey: By Jove, that's courageous, Bunter. What a splendid person she must be. Mervyn Bunter: I think so, my lord.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Facts are elusive; confronting them directly can cause them to disappear, highlighting the difficulty of grasping truth.
In simple terms: Facts can slip away when faced head‑on.
Key Takeaway
Seek evidence patiently and verify.
Themes
knowledge
truth
humor
Mood
witty
ironic
Type
dialogue
satire
When to use this quote
- research
- investigations
- legal cases
- academic study
Key Concepts
epistemology
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people avoid uncomfortable facts?
- How can we better engage with truth?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on confrontation may obscure understanding.