QuoteProject
The world is governed more by appearance than realities so that it is fully as necessary to seem to know something as to know it.
Daniel Webster
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Appearances often hold more power than actual knowledge or truths.

This quote by Daniel Webster emphasizes the significance of perception over reality in the dynamics of influence and interaction. It suggests that in many situations, individuals are judged and valued based on how things appear instead of actual competencies or knowledge, highlighting the importance of maintaining a facade of understanding in societal and professional contexts.

Themes

AppearanceRealityPerceptionKnowledgeInfluence

In practice

Example use cases

In a job interview, one must appear confident and knowledgeable to make a good impression.

More from Daniel Webster

Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts will follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization.
Daniel WebsterRead
No man not inspired can make a good speech without preparation.
Daniel WebsterRead
We have been taught to regard a representative of the people as a sentinel on the watch-tower of liberty.
Daniel WebsterRead
I was born an American; I will live an American; I shall die an American.
Daniel WebsterRead
Man is a special being, and if left to himself, in an isolated condition, would be one of the weakest creatures; but associated with his kind, he works wonders.
Daniel WebsterRead
Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution of your country and the government established under it. Leave evils which exist in some parts of the country, but which are beyond your control, to the all-wise direction of an over-ruling Providence. Perform those duties which are present, plain and positive. Respect the laws of your country.
Daniel WebsterRead

Similar quotes

I've often thought that if planners were botanists, zoologists, geologists, and people who know about the earth, we would have much more wisdom in such planning than we have when we leave it to the engineers.
William O. DouglasRead
Advice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Wounds are the means through which we enter the hearts of other people. They are meant to teach us to become compassionate and wise.
Caroline MyssRead
LOSS, n. Privation of that which we had, or had not. Thus, in the latter sense, it is said of a defeated candidate that he "lost his election".
Ambrose BierceRead
You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside. The enemy of the “best” is often the “good.
Stephen CoveyRead
Talent is culture with insolence.
AristotleRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.