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Platitude: an idea (a) that is admitted to be true by…

“Platitude: an idea (a) that is admitted to be true by everyone, and (b) that is not true.” quote by H. L. Mencken
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“Platitude: an idea (a) that is admitted to be true by everyone, and (b) that is not true.”

H. L. Mencken

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A platitude is a universally accepted claim that is actually false.

In simple terms: Widely accepted falsehoods.

Key Takeaway

Question accepted truths.

Themes

critical thinking truth social norms communication

Mood

skeptical inquisitive

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • advertising slogans
  • social media trends
  • education curricula

Key Concepts

philosophy logic media studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • What common belief might be a platitude?
  • How can you test its truth?
A Different Perspective

People may accept platitudes without scrutiny.

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