Falsehood Quote by Samuel Johnson
“A few men are sufficient to broach falsehoods, which are afterwards innocently diffused by successive relaters.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1759
People spread falsehoods, and each reteller passes them on, making lies seem harmless over time.
In simple terms: Lies spread when repeated.
Key Takeaway
Question sources before sharing.
Themes
truth
communication
deception
Mood
skeptical
concerned
Type
cautionary
observational
When to use this quote
- news sharing
- social media
- gossip
- academic citation
Key Concepts
propagation
social influence
credibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms can stop misinformation?
- How do you verify a story’s origin?
A Different Perspective
Even well‑intentioned retelling can distort facts.
![“I just wish this social institution [religion] wasn't based on what appears to me to be a monumental hoax built on an accumulation of customs and myths directed toward proving something that isn't true.” quote by Andy Rooney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ce5/andy-rooney-1253_atheism_i-just-wish-this-social-institution-reli_313358.jpg)
![“A mind conscious of right laughs at the falsehoods of rumour. [Lat., Conscia mens recti famae mendacia risit.]” quote by Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95c/ovid-276_conscious_a-mind-conscious-of-right-laughs-at-the_12185.jpg)
