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You know, it is a terrible thing to appear on television, because people think that you actually know what you're talking about.
David Attenborough
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Being on television can give the impression of expertise, which may not always be true.

David Attenborough's quote humorously reflects the paradox of television appearances, where the medium often creates an illusion of authority and knowledge. He suggests that despite being seen as an expert simply for being on screen, the reality is more complex, and public perception can be misleading.

Themes

TelevisionExpertiseIllusionKnowledgeHumor

In practice

Example use cases

In a comedy sketch about the media's portrayal of experts.

More from David Attenborough

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Quote by David Attenborough | QuoteProject