Analogy Quote by Jonathan Swift
““Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it, so that when men come to be undeceived, it is too late; the jest is over, and the tale hath had its effect: like a man, who hath thought of a good repartee when the discourse is changed, or the company parted; or like a physician, who hath found out an infallible medicine, after the patient is dead.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Gulliver's Travels, 1726
Falsehood spreads quickly while truth lags, making it hard to correct misconceptions before they take root.
In simple terms: Truth is slower than lies.
Key Takeaway
Act early to verify facts.
Themes
truth
deception
timing
consequences
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- public health messaging
- legal proceedings
- education
- journalism
Key Concepts
information spread
cognitive bias
media influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies improve rapid truth verification?
- What mechanisms can counteract the speed of misinformation?
A Different Perspective
Even after truth emerges, its impact may be limited if people have already formed opinions.
