Business cards, of course, are not proof of anything…
““Business cards, of course, are not proof of anything. Anyone can go to a print shop and have cards made that say anything they like. The king of Denmark can order business cards that say he sells golf balls. Your dentist can order business cards that say she is your grandmother. In order to escape from the castle of an enemy of mine, I once had cards printed that said I was an admiral in the French navy. Just because something is typed - whether it is typed on a business card or typed in a newspaper or book - this does not mean it is true.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Printed statements lack inherent truth; verification is essential regardless of format.
In simple terms: Typed words aren’t automatically true.
Key Takeaway
Always verify information before believing it.
Themes
skepticism
truth
communication
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading news
- checking documents
- online research
- legal contracts
Key Concepts
critical thinking
information literacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess credibility of printed material?
- When is it acceptable to trust without verification?
A Different Perspective
Some contexts rely on trust over verification.