False Report Quote by Booker T. Washington
““I have made it a rule never to deny a false report, except under very exceptional circumstances. In nine cases out of ten the denying of the report simply calls attention to the original statement in a way to magnify it. Many people who did not see the original false report will see the denial and will then begin to search for the original report to find out what it was.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Up From Slavery, 1901
Denying a false claim often draws more attention to it, making the original rumor spread wider.
In simple terms: Denial can amplify a rumor.
Key Takeaway
Avoid denying false reports unless absolutely necessary.
Themes
communication
truth
rumor control
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- media management
- public relations
- social media
- crisis communication
Key Concepts
psychology of attention
information spread
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it better to ignore a rumor?
- How can you correct misinformation without amplifying it?
A Different Perspective
Denial may unintentionally legitimize the false claim.
