To do anything in this world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in, and scramble through as well as we can.
Sydney SmithRead
Errors, to be dangerous, must have a great deal of truth mingled with them. It is only from this alliance that they can ever obtain an extensive circulation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Errors need to contain some truth in order to be influential and widely accepted.
This quote by Sydney Smith conveys the idea that for errors or misconceptions to gain traction and be recognized by a broader audience, they must contain elements of truth. The combination of truth with falsehood can lead to these errors being more persuasive and therefore more widely circulated. It suggests a caution regarding the acceptance of ideas that may seem true but are inherently flawed.
Themes
ErrorsTruthMisconceptionsInfluencePersuasion
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about misinformation, one could use this quote to highlight the danger of accepting falsehoods that seem plausible.
More from Sydney Smith
All quotes βA comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.
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Do not try to push your way through to the front ranks of your profession; do not run after distinctions and rewards; but do your utmost to find an entry into the world of beauty.
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we know nothing of tomorrow, our business is to be good and happy today
Sydney SmithRead
Find fault when you must find fault in private, and if possible sometime after the offense, rather than at the time.
Sydney SmithRead
Find fault, when you must find fault, in private, if possible; and some time after the offense, rather than at the time.
Sydney SmithRead
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Life is a travelling to the edge of knowledge, then a leap taken.
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