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Errors Quote by William F. Buckley, Jr

“The superstition that the hounds of truth will rout the vermin of error seems, like a fragment of Victorian lace, quaint, but too brittle to be lifted out of the showcase.” quote by William F. Buckley, Jr
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“The superstition that the hounds of truth will rout the vermin of error seems, like a fragment of Victorian lace, quaint, but too brittle to be lifted out of the showcase.”

William F. Buckley, Jr

About This Quote

Source Essay: The American Spectator, 1976

The metaphor of truth hunting error is elegant but fragile, like delicate lace that cannot bear weight.

In simple terms: Truth hunting error is fragile.

Key Takeaway

Beware over‑reliance on elegant metaphors.

Themes

philosophy critical thinking skepticism

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • media analysis
  • political commentary

Key Concepts

metaphor Victorian aesthetics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we test truth without fragile symbols?
  • What alternatives replace delicate metaphors?
A Different Perspective

Elegant metaphors may obscure practical solutions.

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