Assume Quote by William Safire
“Never assume the obvious is true.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Language and Thought, 1995
Do not accept statements at face value; critical examination reveals hidden assumptions and errors.
In simple terms: Question obvious claims before believing them.
Key Takeaway
Practice skeptical analysis of information.
Themes
critical thinking
skepticism
truth
analysis
logic
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- news consumption
- academic research
- business decisions
- personal relationships
- media literacy
Key Concepts
Cognitive bias
information evaluation
argumentation
Questions to Reflect On
- What methods help verify the truth of a claim?
- When is it appropriate to trust a source without deep analysis?
A Different Perspective
Over‑skepticism can lead to paralysis or distrust.
