False Quote by Paul Valery
“What is simple is false and what is not is useless.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "Le Cimetière marin" by Paul Valéry, 1920
It warns that oversimplified truths can be misleading, while overcomplicated details may be pointless.
In simple terms: Simple lies mislead; complex facts may be useless.
Key Takeaway
Seek balanced understanding.
Themes
truth
simplicity
complexity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- debates
- education
- media analysis
- decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test a claim’s depth?
- When is detail unnecessary?
A Different Perspective
Over‑simplification can ignore nuance.
