Adjustment Quote by Richard Whately
“Falsehood is difficult to be maintained. When the materials of a building are solid blocks of stone, very rude architecture will suffice; but a structure of rotten materials needs the most careful adjustment to make it stand at all.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Elements of Rhetoric, 1828
A lie is easy to keep when the foundation is strong; weak foundations require constant, careful adjustments to stay upright.
In simple terms: Lies need strong foundations; weak ones need constant fixing.
Key Takeaway
Ensure your arguments rest on solid facts.
Themes
integrity
communication
truth
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- debate
- political discourse
Key Concepts
rhetoric
logic
structural metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- What foundations does your argument rely on?
- How can you reinforce weak points before presenting?
A Different Perspective
A weak premise can undermine even the most careful wording.
