--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I believe it is an established maxim in…" description: "\"I believe it is an established maxim in morals that he who makes an assertion without knowing whether it is true or false, is guilty of falsehood; and ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/927/abraham-lincoln-88_assertion_i-believe-it-is-an-established-maxim-in_2806875.png" --- # I believe it is an established maxim in morals that he who… ![“I believe it is an established maxim in morals that he who makes an assertion without knowing whether it is true or false, is guilty of falsehood; and the accidental truth of the assertion, does not justify or excuse him.” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/927/abraham-lincoln-88_assertion_i-believe-it-is-an-established-maxim-in_2806875.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/927/abraham-lincoln-88_assertion_i-believe-it-is-an-established-maxim-in_2806875.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/927/abraham-lincoln-88_assertion_i-believe-it-is-an-established-maxim-in_2806875.png) > “I believe it is an established maxim in morals that he who makes an assertion without knowing whether it is true or false, is guilty of falsehood; and the accidental truth of the assertion, does not justify or excuse him.” [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Asserting something without knowing its truth is dishonest, even if it turns out true. **In simple terms:** Don’t claim without knowing truth; honesty matters. Key Takeaway Verify facts before asserting. Themes honesty knowledge ethics Mood thoughtful serious Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - academic work - journalism - public speaking - legal testimony Key Concepts epistemology integrity responsibility Questions to Reflect On - How do you handle uncertainty before speaking? - What responsibilities do you have when sharing information? A Different Perspective May oversimplify complex truth‑seeking processes. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Falsehood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/falsehood/) [Guilty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guilty/) [Honor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/honor/) [Lying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lying/) [Maxims](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/maxims/) [Moral](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moral/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [“But with regard to incomposites, what is being or not being, and truth or falsity? 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