Caution Quote by Claude C. Hopkins
“A man coined to superlative must expect that his every statement will be taken with some caution”
About This Quote
Source Book: Scientific Advertising by Claude C. Hopkins, 1923
When you use extreme language, listeners will doubt the reliability of everything you say.
In simple terms: Exaggeration invites skepticism.
Key Takeaway
Avoid hyperbole for credibility.
Themes
communication
credibility
language
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
advisory
critical
When to use this quote
- marketing pitches
- public speaking
- political statements
- media commentary
Key Concepts
rhetoric
trust
persuasion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your word choice affect trust?
- When is strong language appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Excessive superlatives can undermine authority.
![“[Chicago] is the greatest and most typically American of all cities. New York is bigger and more spectacular and can outmatch it in other superlatives, but it is a "world" city, more European in some respects than American.” quote by John Gunther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b98/john-gunther-24750_american-cities_chicago-is-the-greatest-and-most-typical_326243.jpg)
![“[D]on't grow old. With age comes caution, which is another name for cowardice… Whatever else you do in life, don't cultivate a conscience. Without a conscience a man may never be said to grow old. This is an age of very old young men.” quote by Hesketh Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/076/hesketh-pearson-35291_age_d-on-t-grow-old-with-age-comes-caution-w_14010.jpg)
![“[U]se extreme caution, and please remember that 451 degrees Fahrenheit is more than just a book a title…” quote by Ammon Shea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/361/ammon-shea-38017_books_u-se-extreme-caution-and-please-remember_36287.jpg)
