Believe Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Never believe extraordinary characters which you hear of people. Depend upon it, they are exaggerated. You do not see one man shoot a great deal higher than another.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1760
Extraordinary stories are often embellished; reality shows people are similar in ability.
In simple terms: Stories are exaggerated; people are alike.
Key Takeaway
Question claims, expect realism.
Themes
skepticism
reality
storytelling
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading news
- evaluating rumors
- teaching critical thinking
Key Concepts
hyperbole
human similarity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify extraordinary claims?
- When is exaggeration acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Exaggeration can be useful for inspiration.
