Skip to content

Belief Quote by H. L. Mencken

“Friendship is a common belief in the same fallacies, mountebanks and hobgoblins.” quote by H. L. Mencken
Download Open image
“Friendship is a common belief in the same fallacies, mountebanks and hobgoblins.”

H. L. Mencken

About This Quote

Friendship often thrives on shared delusions and the willingness to indulge each other's fantasies and absurdities.

In simple terms: Friends share the same nonsense.

Key Takeaway

Bonding through mutual illusion.

Themes

friendship psychology social dynamics

Mood

wry skeptical

Type

observational satirical

When to use this quote

  • long‑term friendships
  • online communities
  • political factions

Key Concepts

cognitive bias groupthink

Practical Applications

  • cultivating critical dialogue
  • balancing humor with truth‑seeking

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does shared delusion become harmful?
  • How can friends challenge each other's false beliefs constructively?
A Different Perspective

May excuse unhealthy denial or reinforce misinformation.

2.6 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by H. L. Mencken

Explore all 827 H. L. Mencken quotes

More Belief quotes

Browse all 10,270 Belief quotes