Skip to content

Believe Quote by Adam Kirsch

“Once a poet calls his myth a myth, he prevents the reader from treating it as a reality; we use the word 'myth' only for stories we ourselves cannot believe.” quote by Adam Kirsch
Download Open image
“Once a poet calls his myth a myth, he prevents the reader from treating it as a reality; we use the word 'myth' only for stories we ourselves cannot believe.”

Adam Kirsch

About This Quote

Source Article: "The Myth of the Myth" (The New Yorker, 2012)

Labeling something as a myth distances readers from treating it as true, revealing how language shapes belief.

In simple terms: Calling something a myth keeps it fictional.

Key Takeaway

Question how labels affect perception.

Themes

myth belief language

Mood

inquisitive critical

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • media analysis
  • education
  • public discourse
  • creative storytelling

Key Concepts

semiotics cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide what is myth versus reality?
  • What impact do labels have on credibility?
A Different Perspective

Labels can oversimplify complex truths.

4.9 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Adam Kirsch

Explore all 11 Adam Kirsch quotes

More Believe quotes

Browse all 47,704 Believe quotes