Dangerous Quote by Henry Ward Beecher
“Whatever is almost true is quite false, and among the most dangerous of errors, because being so near truth, it is more likely to lead astray.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Danger of Near Truth, 1875
Almost-true statements are dangerous because they seem credible and can mislead more than obvious falsehoods.
In simple terms: Near truths are risky.
Key Takeaway
Question and verify seemingly accurate claims.
Themes
truth
error
logic
critical thinking
ethics
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- debate
- writing
- teaching
- media analysis
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
misinformation
argumentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you spot near‑truth fallacies?
- What safeguards prevent being misled?
A Different Perspective
People may accept them without scrutiny.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
