When a story has gone the grand circuit, and travels back…
“When a story has gone the grand circuit, and travels back to us uncontradicted, we may reasonably begin to relax in our belief of it. If nobody questions it, it is manifestly a fiction; if it passes current, it is almost sure to be a counterfeit. The course of truth never yet ran smooth.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote warns that widely accepted stories become accepted as truth, but without scrutiny they may be false; truth is rarely smooth or unchallenged.
In simple terms: Popular stories can seem true until examined.
Key Takeaway
Question accepted narratives and seek evidence.
Themes
critical thinking
truth
skepticism
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- academic research
- personal belief formation
- media consumption
Key Concepts
epistemology
media literacy
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would you need to trust a story?
- How do you differentiate between a myth and a fact?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook that some widely held beliefs are well‑substantiated.