Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it, so that…
““Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it, so that when men come to be undeceived, it is too late; the jest is over, and the tale hath had its effect: like a man, who hath thought of a good repartee when the discourse is changed, or the company parted; or like a physician, who hath found out an infallible medicine, after the patient is dead.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Falsehood spreads quickly while truth lags, making it hard to correct misconceptions before they take root.
In simple terms: Truth is slower than lies.
Key Takeaway
Act early to verify facts.
Themes
truth
deception
timing
consequences
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- public health messaging
- legal proceedings
- education
- journalism
Key Concepts
information spread
cognitive bias
media influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies improve rapid truth verification?
- What mechanisms can counteract the speed of misinformation?
A Different Perspective
Even after truth emerges, its impact may be limited if people have already formed opinions.