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Truth Quote by Samuel Johnson

“APOLOGUE (A'POLOGUE) n.s.[.]Fable; story contrived to teach some moral truth. An apologue of Æsop is beyond a syllogism, and proverbs more powerful than demonstration.Brown’sVulgar Errours. Some men are remarked for pleasantness in raillery; others for apologues and apposite diverting…” quote by Samuel Johnson
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““APOLOGUE  (A'POLOGUE)   n.s.[.]Fable; story contrived to teach some moral truth. An apologue of Æsop is beyond a syllogism, and proverbs more powerful than demonstration.Brown’sVulgar Errours. Some men are remarked for pleasantness in raillery; others for apologues and apposite diverting stories.Locke.   APOLOGY  (APO'LOGY)   n.s.[apologia, Lat.    Defence; excuse. Apology generally signifies rather excuse than vindication, and tends rather to extenuate the fault, than prove innocence. This is, however, sometimes unregarded by writers. In her face excuseCame prologue; and apology too prompt;Which with bland words at will she thus address’d.Milton’sParad. Lost,b. ix. l. 854.2. It has for before the object of excuse. It is not my intention to make an apology for my poem: some will think it needs no excuse, and others will receive none.Dryden’sPref. toAbs. and Achit. I shall neither trouble the reader, nor myself, with any apology for publishing of these sermons; for if they be, in any measure, truly serviceable to the end for which they are designed, I do not see what apology is necessary; and if they be not so, I am sure none can be sufficient.Tillotson.   APOMECOMETRY  (APOMECO'METRY)   n.s.[   from, l  distance, and lesqex, to measure.]The art of measuring things at a distance.  ””

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Rambler, No. 14, 1750

An apologue is a moral fable; an apology is a defensive explanation, both aiming to influence perception.

In simple terms: Apologues teach morals; apologies defend actions.

Key Takeaway

Distinguish teaching stories from defensive excuses.

Themes

morality communication persuasion literature

Mood

reflective intellectual

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • teaching children
  • public speaking
  • conflict resolution
  • writing essays
  • media commentary

Key Concepts

fable defense rhetoric ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is an apology more than a justification?
  • Can a moral story change behavior?
A Different Perspective

Apologies can be sincere, not merely excuses, and may also inspire change.

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