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Never assume the obvious is true.

“Never assume the obvious is true.” quote by William Safire
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“Never assume the obvious is true.”

William Safire

About This Quote

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

Do not accept statements at face value; critical examination reveals hidden assumptions and errors.

In simple terms: Question obvious claims before believing them.

Key Takeaway

Practice skeptical analysis of information.

Themes

critical thinking skepticism truth analysis logic

Mood

cautious inquisitive

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • news consumption
  • academic research
  • business decisions
  • personal relationships
  • media literacy

Key Concepts

Cognitive bias information evaluation argumentation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What methods help verify the truth of a claim?
  • When is it appropriate to trust a source without deep analysis?
A Different Perspective

Over‑skepticism can lead to paralysis or distrust.

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