inspirational quotes

No, Thomas Edison did not write that.

/ Sue Brewton / Leave a comment

Today’s post is about an inspirational quote that is often misattributed to Thomas Edison.  Follow along to learn who really wrote it as well as who is spreading this false information.

The Misattributed Quote Variations in Order of Popularity

✘“Your worth consists in what you are and not in what you have.  What you are will show in what you do.”
Thomas Edison

✘“Your worth consists in what you are and not in what you have.  What you are will show in what you do.”
William Davidson

✘“Your worth consists in what you are and not in what you have.  What you are will show in what you do.”
Albert Einstein

The overwhelming majority of attributions are to Thomas Edison.  I found only a couple of attributions for the other two people.  Also, half of the websites featuring this misquote do not include the second sentence.  The ones that do include it usually separate it as another individual quote.

The Correct Quote

✓“Your worth consists in what you are, and not in what you have.  What you are will show in what you do.”
Thomas Davidson (1840–1900)
May 31, 1899 letter to the class in history and social science in the Educational Alliance, New York, NY
The Education of the Wage-Earners, Chapter V

Here is the quote found in The Education of the Wage-Earners by Thomas Davidson published posthumously in 1904 and edited by Charles M. Bakewell.

The Quote Found in 'The Education of the Wage-Earners' by Thomas Davidson

The Quote Found in The Education of the Wage-Earners by Thomas Davidson

Here is the title page.

Title Page of 'The Education of the Wage-Earners' by Thomas Davidson

Title Page of The Education of the Wage-Earners by Thomas Davidson

Here is the table of contents.

'The Education of the Wage-Earners' Table of Contents

The Education of the Wage-Earners Table of Contents

Statistics

After surveying 110 websites featuring today’s misquote, I found the following trends.

Percentage Type of Website
35%    Quotes only
22%    Informational
17%    Social media
16%    Corporation/corporate individual
4%     Quotes a major feature
2%     Online app or service
2%     Quotes paraphernalia for purchase
2%     Topical group or discussion forum

Quote Websites Are the Main Source of Today’s Misquote

The above statistics show that websites with the sole purpose of providing quotes are the largest group propagating today’s misquote.  If we combine them (35%) with the websites that provide quotes as a major part of their functionality (4%), we find that 39 percent of the websites perpetuating this misinformation are major quote repositories.  As we’ve seen so many times with my previous posts, this is the norm.  Unfortunately, the number of quote websites is growing exponentially.  I find new ones rearing their ugly heads each time I research a quote.  I’ve also noticed these sites are duplicates of each other and often feature the same misquotes AND typos.  This continual spread of misquotes is what I call a quote virus.  The problem is many educators and authors use these websites as a resource for quotes and subsequently teach and/or publish this false information.  The end result is infection of educational institutions and modern literature.  In short, quote websites are breeding grounds for the quote virus and should be avoided at all costs.

Informational Websites Are Another Source of Today’s Misquote

The above statistics also show that informational websites are another major contributor to the proliferation of today’s misquote.  For example, during my research I came across a website called The Fact File which purports to provide facts on various topics.  One of the “facts” featured on this website is today’s misquote. . . Strike one.  Out of curiosity, I looked at the list of Leonardo da Vinci “facts” and found the misquote I wrote about in my 11/30/15 post No, Leonardo da Vinci did not write that. . . Strike two.  I also checked the Abraham Lincoln “facts,” and sure enough the misquote I wrote about in my 01/31/16 post No, that is not what Abraham Lincoln said is listed.  Strike three!

The bottom line is don’t believe everything you read on the internet, even if the site presents itself as an authority on a particular topic.

Modern Books Are Another Source of Misquotes

During my research, I found 10 books featuring today’s misquote, and three of them are quote books.  In fact, one of them is a book strictly about Thomas Edison quotes and facts.  The one thing all of them have in common is the quote is cited with a name attribution only.  This is an indication that it was probably not fact-checked.  If there is no accompanying source information that is verifiable, the quote is not trustworthy.

Possible Causes of Misattribution

My first guess as to how this misattribution was formed is confusion created by the similarity of the names, Thomas Edison and Thomas Davidson.

My second guess is the close proximity these two names would have with each other in an alphabetized list.  One possible scenario is a quote website administrator was copying quotes from an alphabetized list in which Thomas Davidson occurred just prior to Thomas Edison, and when the list transitioned from Davidson to Edison, the transcriptionist made an error and did not double check to ensure the quote entered corresponded with the correct person.  Subsequently, others came along and transmitted this misinformation to others who transmitted it to others ad infinitum.  I have encountered this alphabetical pattern on quote websites many times.  My 03/31/15 post Edith Wharton vs. Edgar Watson Howe vs. Elbert Hubbard and my 07/17/14 post Kennedy Morphs into Keats: Another Reason to Get Your Inspirational Quotes from a Reliable Source are two more examples of this phenomenon.

Most Amusing Find

I came across a newsletter dated May 28, 2015 which features our Thomas Edison misquote on the front page.  The amusing part is the newsletter is for the Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School.  Once again, we see an informational resource that is reporting false information.  This demonstrates how pervasive the quote virus is and reinforces the message that you cannot believe everything you read on the internet.

Most Disappointing Find

My research also brought me to a Virginia community newspaper website that featured an article about the 2015 commencement exercises at a local high school.  In her speech to the graduating class, the principal used Edison’s misquote.  The irony is the name of the school is Thomas A. Edison High School.  Unfortunately, when the source of information is an educator, the perception of credibility is high.  In this case, the educator is from a school named after Edison so the perception of credibility for this quote is even higher.  This is why I am always disappointed when misquotes infect our educational institutions.  The possibility of the false information propagating increases dramatically.

Let’s Kill the Quote Virus Together

The only way to exterminate the quote virus is through education.  You can help by sharing the knowledge.  Forward this post to friends and family, and if you’re on Facebook, “like” my Facebook fan page.  If you’re on Twitter, you can follow me @SueBrewton.

Until next time,

“Be the antidote and don’t misquote.”

©Sue Brewton

No, John D. Rockefeller did not write that.

/ Sue Brewton / Leave a comment

Today’s post is about an inspirational quote by John D. Rockefeller that is misworded and misattributed.  Follow along to learn what he really wrote as well as who is spreading this false information.

The Misworded and Misattributed Quote Variations in Order of Popularity

✘“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.”
John D. Rockefeller

✘“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.”
Anita Roddick

✘“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.”
John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

✘“If you want to succeed, you have to forge new paths and avoid borrowed ones.”
John D. Rockefeller

✘“If you want to succeed, you have to forge new paths and avoid borrowed ones that promise success.”
John D. Rockefeller

The Correct Quote

✓“It requires a better type of mind to seek out and to support or to create the new than to follow the worn paths of accepted success.”
John D. Rockefeller, Sr.
Random Reminiscences of Men and Events, chapter VI

Here is the quote found in Random Reminiscences of Men and Events first published in 1908.

The Quote Found in 'Random Reminiscences of Men and Events'

The Quote Found in Random Reminiscences of Men and Events

Here is the title page.

Title Page of 'Random Reminiscences of Men and Events' by John D. Rockefeller

Title Page of Random Reminiscences of Men and Events by John D. Rockefeller

Here is the table of contents.

'Random Reminiscences of Men and Events' Table of Contents

Random Reminiscences of Men and Events Table of Contents

Statistics
After surveying 120 websites featuring today’s misquote, I found the following trends.

Percentage Type of Website
38%    Quotes only
25%    Informational
16%    Social media
8%     Corporation/Corporate individual
7%     Online app or service
2%     Quotes a major feature
2%     Quotes paraphernalia
1%     Academic/educational/school
1%     Topical group or discussion forum

Quote Websites Are the Main Source of Today’s Misquote

The above statistics show that websites with the sole purpose of providing quotes are the largest group propagating today’s misquote.  If we combine them (38%) with the websites that provide quotes as a major part of their functionality (2%), we find that 40 percent of the websites perpetuating this misinformation are major quote repositories.  Unfortunately, as my previous posts have demonstrated, this result is the norm.  In short, never use quote websites as a resource for quotes.  They are notoriously riddled with inaccurate information.

Informational Websites Are Another Source of Today’s Misquote

The above statistics also show that informational websites are another major contributor to the proliferation of today’s misquote.  For example, two of the websites featuring today’s misquote are specifically about John D. Rockefeller.  In other words, their sole purpose is to provide information about him and him only.  Because the subject matter is so narrow and specific, one would assume that all the data is fact-checked; unfortunately, this is not the case.  In fact, I have encountered many informational websites which purport to be an authority on some specific topic when in reality they are not.  The bottom line is don’t believe everything you read on the internet.

Wikiquote is Another Source of Misquotes

Do not be fooled into thinking Wikipedia and Wikiquote are accurate sources for information.  They are not.  Today’s misquote appears on Wikiquote which cites Steps to the Top (1985) by Zig Ziglar as the source.  This book was not written by Rockefeller or someone who interviewed him nor does it provide a valid source.  The late Ziglar is just one of hundreds of motivational speakers/writers who cite this misquote in their books.  Wikiquote is doing a huge disservice to the public by featuring quotes that are not from the original source.  This is not the first time I’ve found inaccurate information on Wikiquote or Wikipedia, so reader beware.

Modern Books Are Another Source of Misquotes

During my research, I came across 28 contemporary books featuring today’s misquote, and 10 of them are quote books.  Unfortunately, most modern authors get their quotes from quote websites or quote books.  The advent of the internet coupled with the rise of e-books has created an environment in which misquotes (and other false data) spread at lightning speed.  The replication process is very similar to a viral infection, and it doesn’t take long for this sort of quote virus to become a pandemic.  Often times the infected quote becomes so widespread that it morphs into a new “truth,” a mutant if you will.

How to Avoid Being Duped

The vast majority of websites and books simply list the quote followed by the name of the person who said/wrote it.  This is a red flag indicating the quote was probably not verified.  A quote will have more veracity if the name is accompanied by the title of the work in which the quote is found along with applicable detailed information such as chapter, act, scene, line, stanza, etc.  Unfortunately, this is not always foolproof.  For example, one website cites today’s misquote from Body and Soul by Anita Roddick; needless to say, that is false.  By the way, this does not mean that all quotes without detailed information are false; it just means be wary and verify.  In short, if the attribution is the author/orator’s name only, don’t accept it.  If source information is provided, look it up to see if it’s true.

Rewording Changes the Meaning

The reworded version not only changes the meaning but it contradicts itself.  It explains how to be successful (strike out on a new path).  In other words, to succeed, the misquote directs us not to use the “worn paths of accepted success” but to “strike out on new paths.”  The contradiction is that even if you’re on a worn path of “accepted success,” you’re still on a path of success.  It may be worn, but it’s a path of success.

The original quote is not about how to be successful; it is about what constitutes a better way of thinking (seek out, support, or create something new).  In other words, you may be on a worn path of success, but it is better to do it by creating something new. He goes on to explain that duplicating industries does not contribute to the progress and happiness of the American people as a whole and that it is a failure to the individual if s/he does not contribute to the progress or happiness of all of mankind.  Basically, he is saying be successful by creating something new that benefits the world instead of duplicating an industry to make money to benefit yourself.

By the way, none of the misquote versions or any combination thereof appear in any of Rockefeller’s books.

Senior vs. Junior vs. III, IV, V, VI

As of this writing, there are six generations of John D. Rockefellers.  The most frequently quoted are John D. Rockefeller, Sr. and John D. Rockefeller, Jr.  Today’s quote is from Senior, but there are a few quote websites that cite Junior.  Because Senior, Junior and other namesake descendants are featured in many quote collections, it is important to specify which Rockefeller is being quoted.

Possible Cause of Anita Roddick Attribution

Today’s misquote can also be found attributed to late British entrepreneur, Anita Roddick.  It does not appear in any of her books; however, I found several websites featuring an Anita Roddick quote adjacent to our Rockefeller misquote.  Sometimes this is because they are listed alphabetically.  Perhaps, some quote hunter misunderstood which attribution went with which quote and inadvertently posted the mistake somewhere in cyberspace where it began to spread.  This is pure speculation on my part, but it is definitely a possibility.  Time will tell if the Anita Roddick attribution gains momentum and becomes as widespread as the Rockefeller attribution.  Stay tuned.

Most Disappointing Find

Sadly, I found our misquote on two prominent university websites.  One is an undergraduate business e-magazine, and the other is a professor’s home page.  It’s always disappointing to see the quote virus spread its germs into academia.

For Sale

As usual, I came across our misquote for sale on a quotes paraphernalia website.  For just $34.11 you can have your own 24″ x 36″ misquote poster.  Hmm . . . I wonder if Rockefeller would consider profit from flawed merchandise a new path or a worn path of accepted success.  [smile, wink]

Let’s Kill the Quote Virus Together

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for the quote virus.  The only way to kill this modern-day scourge is through education.  You can be a part of the solution by sharing the knowledge.  Forward this post to friends and family, and if you’re on Facebook, “like” my Facebook fan page.  If you’re on Twitter, you can follow me @SueBrewton.

Finally, remember to practice safe quoting by never using quotes without detailed original source information, and verify if source information is given.

Until next time,

“Be the antidote and don’t misquote.”

©Sue Brewton

No, Benjamin Disraeli did not write that.

/ Sue Brewton / 6 Comments

Today’s post is about an inspirational quote that is often misattributed to Benjamin Disraeli.  Read on to learn who really wrote it as well as who is spreading this false information.

The Misattributed Quote Variations in Order of Popularity

✘“Every production of genius must be the production of enthusiasm.”
Benjamin Disraeli

✘“Every product of genius must be the product of enthusiasm.”
Benjamin Disraeli

The Correct Quote

✓“Every production of genius must be the production of enthusiasm.”
Isaac D’Israeli
“Solitude”
Curiosities of Literature

Here is the quote found in Curiosities of Literature originally published in installments from 1791 to 1823.

The Quote Found in 'Curiosities of Literature'

The Quote Found in Curiosities of Literature

Here is the title page showing Isaac D’Israeli is the author.

Title Page of 'Curiosities of Literature' by Isaac D’Israeli

Title Page of Curiosities of Literature by Isaac D’Israeli

Here is the table of contents.

'Curiosities of Literature' Table of Contents

Curiosities of Literature Table of Contents

D’Israeli vs. Disraeli

Please note the difference in surname spelling in the above attributions.  Even though they are father and son, they spelled their last name differently.  Isaac spelled it with an apostrophe followed by a capital letter, as in D’Israeli.  His son and future British Prime Minister, Benjamin, at the age of eighteen changed the spelling by deleting the apostrophe and changing the second letter to lower case; in other words, D’Israeli became Disraeli.  After Isaac’s death, Benjamin edited Curiosities of Literature by adding his own commentary and changing the spelling of Isaac’s surname to match his.  This is why you may encounter two versions of Isaac’s last name depending on when the book was published.

Statistics

After surveying 110 websites featuring today’s misquote, I found the following trends.

Percentage Type of Website
42%    Quotes only
17%    Social media
16%    Corporation/corporate individual
9%     Informational
8%     Quotes a major feature
4%     Academic/educational/school
3%     Online app or service
1%     Topical group or discussion forum

Quote Websites Are the Main Source of Today’s Misquote

The above statistics indicate that websites with the sole purpose of providing quotes are the largest group propagating today’s misquote.  If we combine them (42%) with the websites that provide quotes as a major part of their functionality (8%), we find that 50 percent of the websites perpetuating this misinformation are major quote repositories.  As I’ve written before, quote databases of any kind found on the internet are notoriously riddled with inaccurate information.  The administrators of these databases generally do not fact-check the data they are providing.  Additionally, they often blindly copy quotes verbatim from other quote websites (probably also not fact-checked).  I have actually seen on many occasions the same quotes with the same typos in the same order on different quote websites.  Because of this general lack of integrity, these sites should be avoided like the plague that they are.

Social Media Websites Are Another Source of Today’s Misquote

The above statistics also show that social media websites are another major contributor to the proliferation of today’s misquote.  They are the breeding grounds for the quote virus.  The quote websites are typically where the initial infection occurs, and the social media websites are where the infection spreads like a virus across the internet.  One person posts an infected quote, and all of his/her followers get it, and all of their followers get it and so on and so forth.  This means whenever you receive a cute little quote meme on social media, don’t believe it.  It is probably infected.

Citing Surname Only Is a Possible Cause of Today’s Misattribution

During my research, I came across the quote book A Dictionary of Thoughts (Cassell Publishing Company, 1891) by Tryon Edwards which attributes all quotes by last name only.  Today’s misquote is in the book attributed to Disraeli, spelled the way Benjamin spells it.  Both men are listed in the index of authors with the same surname spelling.  The problem is they are not differentiated with a first name initial for each quote; therefore, one can only guess which Disraeli said what.  (Apparently, this was an oversight because other authors in the book with the same last name are differentiated.)  There are other quote books during this time period that also cite by last name only, so we cannot definitively say that A Dictionary of Thoughts was the one that gave birth to this misquote.  However, its lack of distinction between these two authors certainly may have contributed to it.  The surname-only style popular during this time period definitely did not help things.

Dictionary of Quotations by James Wood Is Another Possible Cause of Misattribution

I came across another quote book titled Dictionary of Quotations (Frederick Warne and Co., 1893) by Rev. James Wood which also attributes by last name only.  Even though Isaac and Benjamin are presented with the same surname spelling (the way Benjamin spells it), the book differentiates by including the first initial for Isaac.  Since the book attributes today’s quote to Disraeli with no initial, it is a misattribution to Benjamin.  So this book is another possible point of origin for this misquote.

Beaconsfield Is Another Name for Disraeli

In 1876 Queen Victoria ennobled Benjamin Disraeli Earl of Beaconsfield.  Because of this, some quote books of the day refer to Disraeli as Beaconsfield.  The quote book Many Thoughts of Many Minds (The Christian Herald, 1896) by Louis Klopsch is an example of this.  Today’s misquote can be found in this book attributed to Beaconsfield instead of Disraeli, which means this book could also be another possible point of origin for our misquote.

Automated Quote Apps Are Another Source of Quote Infection

There are many services available that allow users to subscribe to automatic delivery of a new quote every day to their social media account or smart phone.  Unfortunately, most of these services use quote databases derived from the internet which means they are simply additional conduits for misquote propagation.  As with quote websites, these services should be avoided.

Modern Books Are Another Source of Misquotes

Much like quote websites, modern quote books are just as unreliable.  During my research, I came across eight books featuring today’s misquote.  Five of them are quote books, and all were published in the 2000s.  If a quote book is published after the advent of the internet, it will most likely contain quotes collected from the internet which means much of the data will not be trustworthy.  This does not mean that quote books published prior to the internet are flawless (as today’s misquote shows); it just means they typically contain fewer errors.

A Quote Should Include Detailed Source Information

Most quote websites and contemporary quote books cite author name only with each quote.  This is a sign the quote was probably not verified.  The quote should include detailed source information such as book title, chapter number, play title, act number, scene number, line number, poem title, stanza number and/or line number.  You should be able to easily find the quote on your own using the given source information.

A Quote Should Include Original Source Information

The source information should be from the originator.  Citing a quote website or a quote book as a source is not legitimate.  Citing a book in which the author claims someone said something without including a source is also not legitimate.  The source should be the original work in which the quote is found.  The name alone is not sufficient source information.

Most Amusing Find

During my research, I came across a quote website that lists Benjamin Disraeli’s date of birth as January 1, 1970.  Apparently, this website administrator didn’t get the memo that Disraeli was born in 1804.  Predictably, today’s misquote is also listed on this website.  So not only is the attribution wrong, but the biographical information is wrong.  Hence I repeat, avoid quote websites at all costs.

Most Disappointing Find

Sadly, the quote virus has infected our academic community.  I came across a high school teacher of AP European history who included today’s misquote on her website.

Let’s Kill the Quote Virus Together

There’s no vaccine for the quote virus, so the only way to combat it is through education.  You, dear reader, can help by sharing the knowledge.  You can do this by forwarding this post to family and friends.  Also, if you know someone who is writing a book (seems like everyone is nowadays), this would be very helpful information to them, as many contemporary authors like to include a quote at the beginning of each chapter.  If you’re on Facebook, “like” my Facebook fan page.  If you’re on Twitter, you can follow me @SueBrewton.

Until next time, remember to

“Be the antidote and don’t misquote.”

©Sue Brewton

No, Margaret Fuller did not write that.

/ Sue Brewton / Leave a comment

Today’s post is about an inspirational quote that is often misworded and misattributed to Margaret Fuller as well as Winston Churchill.  Follow along to learn who really wrote it and who is spreading this inaccurate information.

The Misattributed and Misworded Quote Variations in Order of Popularity

✘“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.”
Margaret Fuller

✘“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it.”
Winston Churchill

✘“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it.”
Margaret Fuller

Less popular variants include the plural word “candles” followed by “from it” or “by it” and singular “candle” followed by “from it,” “by it,” or “in it.”  These versions are for the most part attributed to Margaret Fuller.

Oddly enough, I also came across a single occurrence of attributions to Jonathan Winters, Mary Engelbreit, A. K. Khan, and Professor Ursula James.  Most likely these lone wolf attributions will begin to multiply across the internet over time.

The Correct Quote

✓“If thou hast knowledge, let others light their candle at thine.”
Thomas Fuller, MD (1654-1734)
Introductio ad Prudentiam: or, Directions, Counsels, and Cautions, Tending to Prudent Management of Affairs in Common Life
Part II, item no. 1784

Here is the quote found in Introductio ad Prudentiam: or, Directions, Counsels, and Cautions, Tending to Prudent Management of Affairs in Common Life, Part II first published in 1727 (Part I was published in 1726).

The Quote Found in 'Introductio ad Prudentiam: or, Directions, Counsels, and Cautions, Tending to Prudent Management of Affairs in Common Life, Part II' by Thomas Fuller First Published in 1727

The Quote Found in Introductio ad Prudentiam: or, Directions, Counsels, and Cautions, Tending to Prudent Management of Affairs in Common Life, Part II First Published in 1727

Here is the title page showing Thomas Fuller is the author.

Title Page of 'Introductio ad Prudentiam: or, Directions, Counsels, and Cautions, Tending to Prudent Management of Affairs in Common Life, Part II'

Title Page of Introductio ad Prudentiam: or, Directions, Counsels, and Cautions, Tending to Prudent Management of Affairs in Common Life, Part II by Thomas Fuller

An earlier version of the book was published in 1725 with the above title sans the first four words.

Caution: There Are Three Thomas Fullers of Note

The Thomas Fuller responsible for today’s quote was a British physician who lived from 1654 to 1734.

Do not confuse him with the Thomas Fuller who was a British cleric and author who lived from 1608 to 1661.

Additionally, do not confuse him with the Thomas Fuller who was a Virginia slave famous for his mathematical abilities and lived from 1710 to 1790.

If you’re going to cite this quote, please give credit where credit is due and specify which person it is (Thomas Fuller, MD [1654-1734]).

Statistics

After surveying 150 websites featuring today’s misquote, I found the following trends.

Percentage Type of Website
33%    Quotes only
18%    Informational
15%    Corporation/corporate individual
11%    Social media
7%     Quotes a major feature
7%     Organization
5%     Academic/educational/school
2%     Quotes paraphernalia
1%     Topical group or discussion forum
1%     Online app or service

Quote Websites Are the Main Source of Today’s Misquote

The above statistics show that websites with the sole purpose of providing quotes are the largest group propagating today’s misquote.  If we combine them (33%) with the websites that provide quotes as a major part of their functionality (7%), we find that 40 percent of the websites perpetuating this misinformation are major quote repositories.  The lesson here is never use a quote database found on ANY website as a resource for quotes.  They are focused on quantity instead of quality.  The worst offenders are the ones that allow any random visitor to add to the collection.

By the way, some quote websites provide other information in addition to quotes such as poems, lyrics, and short stories; I include them in the quotes-a-major-feature category.  This category also includes websites that have a major quote database (10,000+) found under a tab or link on the home page.

Informational Websites Are Another Source of Today’s Misquote

The above statistics also show that informational websites are another major contributor to the proliferation of today’s misquote.  I categorize informational websites as any website that provides news and/or information about random or specific topics.  For example, I found today’s misquote on informational websites about women’s history, Margaret Fuller, and feminism.  Obviously, these administrators and contributors did not fact-check their data even though they represent themselves as experts on these subjects.  Again, never trust a quote found on ANY website—even if the website presents itself as an authority on a given topic.  The only exception is if the quote is accompanied by detailed original source information that can be easily verified.  Unfortunately, most quotes found anywhere on the internet are derived from either quote websites or modern quote books.

Modern Books Are Another Source of Misquotes

During my research, I came across 31 books that feature our misquote, and six of them are quote books.  As I’ve written before, if a quote book was compiled after the birth of the internet, it is most likely riddled with misinformation derived from quote websites and other contemporary quote books.  If a book does not provide detailed original source information with each quote, it is unreliable.  For example, if a quote is from Charles Dickens, the citation should include his name as well as the book and chapter in which the quote is found.  The name alone is not sufficient.

If the book is not a quote book, misquotes are often found at the beginning of each chapter, a style popular with contemporary authors.  Of course, misquotes are also found within the narrative of a book, usually preceded by the name of the cited author followed by the words, “once said,” “said” or “wrote.”  Again, if the book was written after the inception of the internet, the quote is not reliable.  The author most likely used a quote website as the source.  This does not mean that quote books written prior to the internet are infallible; it means they don’t feature as many errors as their modern counterparts.

Possible Cause of the Margaret Fuller Misattribution

The obvious assumption one would make about why Margaret Fuller gets credit for a Thomas Fuller quote is that they have the same last name.  (By the way, they are not related.)  In my experience researching quotes, I have noticed that authors with either the same last name or names that follow closely in an alphabetized list often get misattributed to each other.  My 03/31/15 post Edith Wharton vs. Edgar Watson Howe vs. Elbert Hubbard is a perfect example of this.  Notice these three first names would be grouped together in an alphabetized list.  I suspect that a quote website administrator copied quotes from an alphabetized list, and when the list transitioned from Edgar to Edith or to Elbert, the transcriptionist did not double-check to ensure the quote entered corresponded to the correct person.  My 07/17/14 post Kennedy Morphs into Keats: Another Reason to Get Your Inspirational Quotes from a Reliable Source is another example of this.  Of course, I am hypothesizing, but I have seen this alphabetical phenomenon many times.

Another Possible Cause of the Margaret Fuller Misattribution

Knowing what we know about misquote propagation, or the quote virus as I like to call it, another possible cause of the Margaret Fuller misattribution could stem back to a quote book titled A Dictionary of Thoughts (F. B. Dickerson Co., 1908) by Tryon Edwards.  Although the attribution in the book is correct, it is presented in a confusing fashion.  The Index of Authors at the beginning of the book lists three different Fullers:  Margaret, Thomas, and Richard.  The problem is each quote cites the last name only.  To figure out which Fuller is the correct one, the reader must consult the Authors’ Reference Index at the end of the book which specifies each author by page number.  Why Mr. Edwards chose to structure his book in such a convoluted manner is a mystery; it obviously required a lot of extra time, printing, and paper.  The end result is that the authors sharing the same last names get the short end of the stick because it is not eminently clear who said what.  My guess is somewhere in time, another person created a quote book and used Mr. Edwards’ quote book as a source and misinterpreted which Fuller went with which quote.  This is complete speculation on my part, and I could be wrong; however, after studying misquotes for many years, I can say there is a definite possibility I could be right.

By the way, today’s quote is not found in any of Fuller’s or Churchill’s writings in its original wording, current wording, or any combination thereof.

Most Amusing Finds

During my research, I came across a website that purports to be an authority on Margaret Fuller.  The funny thing is not only is the misquote featured on this website but all three of the most popular versions of it are featured, AND they are accompanied by a comment stating the quote is also attributed to Thomas Fuller, her father.  In reality, Margaret did not originate this quote, and her father was not named Thomas; his name was Timothy.  It cracks me up that two untruths are reported in one statement completely destroying the credibility of the entire website.

Another mildly amusing find appears on a website for The National Land Agency in Jamaica where a business manager writes that Margaret Fuller said this quote in 2007.  Apparently he did not get the memo that she died in 1850.  OK, maybe I’m being a bit harsh.  I actually think I know what happened.  I believe this person misinterpreted an attribution found on a quote website which reads as follows:  “Margaret Fuller, Woman’s Day Magazine, Sep. 12, 2007.”  This person probably thought the given date was when the quote was said.

Most Disappointing Finds

I am sad to report that our misquote appears on several websites involved with academia.  The National Education Association as well as various universities, such as Notre Dame and UCLA, feature the misquote on their websites.  I even came across the misquote in a thesis titled “An Examination of the Forgotten Poetry of Margaret Fuller” presented to the East Tennessee State University School of Graduate Studies Department of English for Master of Arts in English.  The misquote appears directly after a statement dedicating the thesis to Margaret Fuller.  Considering how much research goes into a thesis, I am shocked this candidate did not bother to research the quote from the person who is the very topic of the thesis.

For Sale

As usual, today’s misquote is available for purchase.  You can have your own misquote coffee mug for $18.90.  What a steal!

Let’s Kill the Quote Virus Together

Misquote propagation is a quote virus.  Just one occurrence of a misquote anywhere on the internet can spread like a virus to other websites.  Social media websites are the most fertile breeding grounds.  One person posts an infected quote, all of his/her followers get it, who spread it to all of their followers, who spread it to all of their followers ad infinitum.  The only way to kill the quote virus is through education.  Please help exterminate this modern-day scourge by sharing the knowledge.  Forward this post to friends and family, and if you’re on Facebook, “like” my Facebook fan page.  If you’re on Twitter, you can follow me @SueBrewton.

Finally, remember to practice safe quoting by avoiding misquote-infested areas such as quote websites and contemporary quote books.  Never trust quotes that do not include detailed original source information.

“Be the antidote and don’t misquote.”

©Sue Brewton

No, Ralph Waldo Emerson did not write that.

/ Sue Brewton / Leave a comment

Today’s post is about an inspirational quote that is often misworded and misattributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Read on to learn who really wrote it as well as who is spreading this inaccurate information across the internet and in modern literature.

The Misattributed and Misworded Quote Variations

✘“Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter except by your permission.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

✘“Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter except by your promotion.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

These are the two most popular versions.  However, both versions can also be found with the word “own” either deleted or moved to the end of the sentence after the words, “except by your.”

The Correct Quote

✓“Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter except by your permission.”
Arnold Bennett
The Human Machine, chapter VI

Here is the quote found in The Human Machine by Arnold Bennett first published in 1908.  Note the heading title is “Lord over the Noddle.”

The Quote Found in 'The Human Machine' by Arnold Bennett with the Heading "Lord Over the Noddle"

The Quote Found in The Human Machine by Arnold Bennett with the Heading “Lord over the Noddle”

Here is the title page showing Arnold Bennett is the author.

Title Page of 'The Human Machine' by Arnold Bennett

Title Page of The Human Machine by Arnold Bennett

Here is the table of contents showing “Lord over the Noddle” is chapter VI.

Table of Contents Showing "Lord Over the Noddle" Is Chapter VI

Table of Contents Showing “Lord over the Noddle” Is Chapter VI

Statistics

After surveying 95 websites featuring today’s misquote, I found the following trends.

Percentage Type of Website
32%    Social media
25%    Corporation/corporate individual
14%    Quotes only
13%    Informational
5%     Quotes a major feature
4%     Academic/educational/school
3%     Topical group or discussion forum
2%     Organization
2%     Online app or service

Social Media Websites Are the Main Source of Today’s Misquote

As we can see from the above statistics, social media websites are the most common place to find this misquote.  As I have written so many times before, the quote virus thrives on social media.  Every user that posts a misquote spreads it to all of his/her followers, who spread it to all of their followers, who spread it to all of their followers ad infinitum.  Eventually, we end up with a mutant quote pandemic that has people believing false information is fact because it has become so deeply entrenched throughout cyberspace and modern literature.

The lesson is when you receive a quote on social media, don’t believe it.  There is a good chance it is infected.  I personally have recently received several Abraham Lincoln quotes on Facebook, and all of them were false.

Quote Books Are Another Source of Misquotes

I found 12 books featuring our misquote, and three of them are quote books.  As I’ve discussed in prior posts, modern quote books are not a reliable source for quality quotes.  Most of them are compilations of quotes gathered from quote websites (third in the above statistics) and recently published quote books; both of which are notoriously riddled with inaccurate information.

Never trust a quote source if it does not provide detailed information with the quote.  The author/orator’s name alone is not sufficient.  It should be accompanied by the title of the work in which the quote is found along with applicable information such as chapter number, act, scene, line number, speech date, location, etc.

The Possible Cause of the Misattributed Quote

How this quote came to be attributed to Emerson is unknown.  However, during my research, I noticed the works of both authors are often featured within the same publication.  This includes periodicals and books from the late 1800s to today.  I even found several publications where quotes by both writers appear on the same page.  My guess is somewhere in time, a quote collector for a website or book found today’s quote in a publication featuring both authors and mistook which one wrote it.  Once the flawed data was published, the quote virus took over via social media and spread it throughout the universe.  Of course that is pure speculation, but it’s the best I can offer at this time.

My 11/30/14 post titled Edgar Allan Poe vs. Washington Irving is a similar situation where a quote by Irving gets attributed to Poe.  Both authors wrote in the same genre and time period, so both are often featured within the same publication.  As with today’s post, I’m guessing the origin of that misquote is similar.

Most Amusing Find

I came across a website that offers term papers, essays, and reports for free.  Today’s misquote is featured in one of the essays.  I guess that’s proof you really do get what you pay for.  [chuckle, wink]

Let’s Kill the Quote Virus

Much like a physiological virus with no vaccine, the quote virus can only be combated through education.  You can be part of the solution by sharing the knowledge.  Forward this post to friends and family, and if you’re on Facebook, please “like” my Facebook fan page.  If you’re on Twitter, you can follow me @SueBrewton.

Finally, remember to practice safe quoting by never trusting quotes that do not include detailed source information.  Until next time,

“Be the antidote and don’t misquote.”

©Sue Brewton

No, Clara Barton did not write that.

/ Sue Brewton / 2 Comments

Today’s post is about an inspirational quote that is not only misworded but is often misattributed to Clara Barton.  Read on to learn who really wrote it as well as who is spreading this untruth across the internet and in modern literature.

The Misattributed and Misworded Quote Variations

✘“I have an almost complete disregard of precedent, and a faith in the possibility of something better.”
Clara Barton

✘“I have an almost complete disregard of precedent, and a faith in the possibility of something better.  It irritates me to be told how things have always been done.  I defy the tyranny of precedent.  I go for anything new that might improve the past.”
Clara Barton

✘“I have an almost complete disregard of precedent and a faith in the possibility of something better.  It irritates me to be told how things always have been done … I defy the tyranny of precedent.  I cannot afford the luxury of a closed mind.  I go for anything new that might improve the past.”
Clara Barton

The Correct Quote

I have underlined the sections that are used to create the misquote.

✓One of Clara Barton’s most outstanding qualities was her almost complete disregard of precedent.  The fact that a thing had always been done in a given way was evidence to her that it could be done again in that fashion, but was of almost no value to her as proving that that was the best way to do it.  She always had faith in the possibility of something better.  It irritated her to be told how things always had been done.  She knew that a very large proportion of things that have been done since the creation have been blunderingly done, and she was always ready to listen to suggestions of better ways.  Having once decided upon a course that defied the tyranny of precedent, she held true to her declaration of independence, and saw her experiment through.

In this she was not reckless or iconoclastic.  She simply forbade herself the cheap luxury of a closed mind.  If no better way presented itself, she was content with the old way of doing.  But she was eager for any new thing that might improve upon the past.  Hers was preeminently a forward-looking mind and a soul with face ever toward the sunrise.

William Eleazar Barton
The Life of Clara Barton
Volume II, chapter XVIII

Here is the quote found in The Life of Clara Barton, volume II, chapter XVIII by William Eleazar Barton (Clara’s cousin).

The First Part of the Correct Quote Found in 'The Life of Clara Barton' volume II, chapter XVIII by William Eleazar Barton

The First Part of the Correct Quote Found in The Life of Clara Barton
volume II, chapter XVIII by William Eleazar Barton

The Last Part of the Correct Quote Found in 'The Life of Clara Barton' volume II, chapter XVIII by William Eleazar Barton

The Last Part of the Correct Quote Found in The Life of Clara Barton
volume II, chapter XVIII by William Eleazar Barton

Here is the title page.

Title Page of 'The Life of Clara Barton' by William Eleazar Barton

Title Page of The Life of Clara Barton by William Eleazar Barton

Statistics
After surveying 103 websites featuring today’s misquote, I found the following trends.

Percentage Type of Website
32%    Quotes only
21%    Social media
18%    Informational
7%     Quotes a major feature
5%     Organization
4%     Corporation/corporate individual
4%     Online app or service
4%     Academic/educational/school
3%     Quotes paraphernalia for purchase
2%     Topical group or discussion forum

Quote Websites Are the Main Source of Today’s Misquote

Based on the above statistics, the main source of today’s misquote are websites that specialize solely in providing quotes.  As we’ve seen in so many of my previous posts, this is not a surprise.  Also note the 7% of websites that provide quotes as a major feature of their functionality.  If we add these two categories together, 39% of the sites featuring this misquote are quotes-only databases.  Clearly, quote websites are the worst place to go when searching for quotes.

Social Media Is Another Source of Today’s Misquote

The above statistics also show that social media websites are the second major source of propagation for today’s misquote.  This too fits the pattern seen in so many of my previous posts.  Unfortunately, social media is the breeding ground for the quote virus.  Each time one person posts a misquote, all of his/her followers get it, and then all of their followers get it and so on and so forth.  It is like an infection that spreads and eventually becomes an epidemic.  Unfortunately, in many cases, the untruth mutates into the truth and becomes gospel.  This appears to be the case with Barton’s misquote.

The bottom line is beware of those cute memes that are posted and pinned in social media.  Many of them are infected.

Nursing Career Books Are Another Source of Today’s Misquote

Because Clara Barton was a nurse who founded the American Red Cross, it seems it is incumbent upon nursing career books to feature this misquote.  One would think books that are composed of facts and figures for the purpose of education would contain nothing but fact-checked data.  Unfortunately, this is not the case.  I came across 20 books featuring our misquote, and 10 of them are books on the subject of nursing.  Apparently, this misquote has been around for so long that even educators accept it as truth.

The Cause of the Misattributed Quote

Today’s misquote was created by piecing together various phrases contained within two paragraphs of William E. Barton’s book The Life of Clara Barton.  In these paragraphs, he is describing Clara from his perspective.  This does not mean that she said or wrote these words; rather, they are the author’s words describing his perception of her.

Apparently, somewhere along the line, someone decided to cherry-pick bits and pieces of these paragraphs and then insert the word “I” to give the impression that Clara actually wrote them.  I’m not sure why someone would do this, but as I’ve written before, it only takes one person to set the quote virus in motion.

By the way, Clara did author a few books, and the misquote does not occur in any of them.

Most Disappointing Find

I came across a dissertation online that cites this misquote.  This dissertation is for Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing in the Graduate Division of the University of California San Francisco.  I am disappointed that academia is contributing to the propagation of this misquote.  After all, these are the people who research, prove and teach facts.  It’s a shame that they are part of the misquote epidemic because many of these misquotes alter history and give credit where credit isn’t due.

Most Amusing Finds

I find it amusing that the misquote itself is about breaking precedents, yet the nursing field continues the precedent of using this misquote even though it is incorrect. Oh the irony.

I also find it amusing that there are a few websites that cite the source of this misquote from another quote website.  Talk about the blind leading the blind!  (chuckle, giggle, wink)

Quote Books Are Another Source of Misquotes

During my research, I came across one quote book that featured this misquote.  As I’ve mentioned before, modern quote books are just as unreliable as quote websites.  I would bet most of them were written using quote websites as a source.  If a book does not feature detailed source information with the quote, it is not trustworthy.  Citing the name of the author/orator alone is not sufficient.  Details such as the name of the work in which the quote is found should be accompanied by applicable information such as the chapter, act, scene, line number, etc.

Misquotes for Sale

As with my previous posts, I came across today’s misquote for sale.  A wooden bookmark with the engraved misquote can be had for $7.50.  Additionally, a money clip for nurses featuring the misquote is available for just $19.95.  What a deal!

Let’s Kill the Quote Virus

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for the quote virus.  It can only be eradicated through education and safe quoting.  You can be a part of the solution by sharing the knowledge.  Also, if you’re on Facebook, you can “like” my Facebook fan page, and if you’re on Twitter, you can follow me @SueBrewton.

Finally, remember to practice safe quoting by never trusting quotes that do not have detailed source information.

“Be the antidote and don’t misquote.”

©Sue Brewton

No, Leonardo da Vinci did not write that.

/ Sue Brewton / 1 Comment

Today’s post is about a wildly popular inspirational quote that is often misworded and misattributed to Leonardo da Vinci.  Follow along to learn who really wrote it as well as who is spreading this misinformation across the internet.

The Misattributed and Misworded Quote Variations

✘“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.”
Leonardo da Vinci

✘“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.”
Thomas Paine

✘“The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.”
Thomas Paine

✘“I love the man that can smile at trouble; that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.”
Thomas Paine

The Correct Quote

✓“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.”
Thomas Paine
The American Crisis, No. I
December 1776

The American Crisis is a series of 16 essays by Thomas Paine published from 1776–1783 under the pseudonym Common Sense.  Thirteen of the essays are numbered, and the quote appears in essay number 1.

Here is the quote found on page 176 in G. P. Putnam’s Sons 1912 publication of Common Sense Together with The American Crisis.

The Quote Found in 'Common Sense Together with The American Crisis' (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1912)

The Quote Found in Common Sense Together with The American Crisis (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1912)

Here is the beginning of essay number 1 on page 170.  Note the famous first sentence.

The beginning of "The Crisis, No. 1" with the Famous First Sentence "These are the times that try men's souls"

The First Paragraph of “The Crisis, No. 1” with the Famous First Sentence

Here is the title page of the publication.

The Title Page of 'Common Sense Together with The American Crisis' (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1912)

The Title Page of Common Sense Together with The American Crisis (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1912)

The Library of Congress has a copy of the original pamphlet published in Boston titled “The American Crisis (No. 1).”  The quote appears in the third column at the end of the 23rd line (which begins with “might have saved”).

If this link does not work, you can find the document by following these steps:

1.  Go to the Library of Congress website (www.loc.gov)
2.  Enter “The American Crisis (No. 1)” in the search bar
3.  Click on the link to the document
4.  Click on the document image
5.  Click the “+” button to zoom in for better viewing

This Misquote Is Often Cited As Two Sentences

In the above-referenced copy of the original pamphlet, the wording and punctuation of the quote and the subsequent sentence are as follows:

“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.  ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.”

Compare this correct version to the most popular misattributed versions (I have underlined the incorrect wording and punctuation):

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.”

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.  ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.”

The Most Popular Versions Are Not Only Misattributed but Are Misworded

The comparisons above demonstrate that the most popular versions of this misquote are misattributed AND misworded.  Some may think slight rewording or paraphrasing is acceptable; however, I absolutely object to that when it comes to important historical documents such as The American Crisis.  It is a shame that it is Americans, for the most part, who are attributing this quote to someone other than Thomas Paine.  Rewriting the words just adds insult to injury.

Statistics
After surveying 150 websites featuring today’s misquote, I found the following trends.

Percentage Type of Website
35%    Quotes only
27%    Social media
14%    Informational
8%     Corporation/Corporate Individual
7%     Quotes a major feature
5%     Online app or service
2%     Topical group or discussion forum
1%     Quotes paraphernalia for purchase
1%     Organization

Quote Websites Are the Main Source of Today’s Misquote

Based on the above statistics, the main source of today’s misquote are websites that specialize solely in providing quotes.  The 7% of websites that provide quotes as a major feature of their functionality should also be noted.  These two categories together mean 42% of the sites featuring this misquote are major databases specializing in quotes.  This is a classic example of what’s known in computer science as GIGO (garbage in, garbage out).  In other words, if the quality of the input is garbage, the quality of the output is garbage.  And for some reason, the vast majority of websites that specialize in quotes have no quality control whatsoever.  In fact, many of them allow any user to add any data at any time.  In a nutshell, these websites should be avoided at all costs.

Social Media Is Another Source of Today’s Misquote

The above statistics also show that social media is the second major source of propagation for today’s misquote.  As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the quote virus quickly and easily spreads its germs through social media.  Every user that posts a misquote spreads it to all of his/her followers, who spread it to all of their followers, who spread it to all of their followers, etc.  The bottom line is never trust a quote sent to you via social media.  There’s a high probability it is infected.

We May Have an Incubating Mutant

During my research, I came across an Instagram post featuring the misquote attributed to Thomas Paine.  I then noticed underneath it another user posted the comment, “I think that’s a Da Vinci or DiCaprio quote.”  Knowing how social media works, I wouldn’t be surprised if a new mutation emerges in the near future attributing the misquote to Leonardo DiCaprio.  Stay tuned.

Most Amusing Finds

My most amusing find is a Leonardo da Vinci website that features today’s misquote.  The sole purpose of this website is to provide information about Leonardo da Vinci and only Leonardo da Vinci.  One would think with a subject-matter scope this narrow all data provided would be verified.  Unfortunately, this bit of misinformation makes all information on the website suspect.

My second amusing find is a book of Leonardo da Vinci quotes published in 2013, and you guessed it; our misquote is proudly featured in the book.  One has to wonder why anyone would go through all the effort to publish a book and not fact-check any of the data.  The end result is a book that has no credibility, and the author becomes another carrier in today’s misinformation epidemic.  Unfortunately, the advent of quick and easy self-publishing has contributed heavily to this modern-day plague.

Most Disappointing Finds

I was very disappointed to see today’s misquote featured as the “Quote of the Week” on a blog written by K-12 principals and school administrators.  One would think educators would be a little more diligent about the information they are conveying.

I was also disappointed to find a scrapbooking website based in Ohio that features today’s misquote on a list of suggested quotes to use.  Not only is the quote misworded, but it is attributed to Thomas Payne instead of Paine.  It is sad that the name of a well-known, important historical figure in American history is misspelled, and no one has noticed or bothered to correct it since 2013 when the site was established.

Quote Books Often Feature Misquotes

I came across seven quote books featuring today’s misquote.  The publication dates range from 2003 to 2015.  Unfortunately, most modern quote books are merely compilations of quotes obtained from the internet and other previously published quote books.  If there is no accompanying detailed source information with each quote, the book should not be trusted.  Citing the writer/orator’s name alone is not sufficient.  The source information should include the name of the work in which the quote is found followed by applicable information such as chapter, act, scene, stanza, line, etc.

Misquotes Can Be Found in a Wide Variety of Books

I also found today’s misquote in 11 books that are not specifically about quotes.  The publication dates range from 2007 to 2015, and the topics vary from fiction to spirituality to stress management to water-and-waste management.

Misquotes for Sale

As always, I found our misquote available for purchase.  For $15.95 you can have your own misquote coffee mug.  If you prefer something a little more artsy, a canvas misquote poster can be yours for just $59.00.  It’s amazing how many flawed merchandise options there are!

Let’s Kill the Quote Virus

The quote virus can only be killed through education and safe quoting.  You can help by sharing the knowledge with your family and friends.  Also, if you’re on Facebook, you can “like” my Facebook fan page, and if you’re on Twitter, you can follow me @SueBrewton.

Finally, remember to practice safe quoting by never trusting quotes on quote websites or social media.  Also be wary of quote books that don’t have detailed source information.  Until next time,

“Be the antidote and don’t misquote.”

©Sue Brewton

No, Charles Dickens did not write that.

/ Sue Brewton / 4 Comments

Today’s post is about an inspirational quote that is often misattributed to Charles Dickens.  Follow along to learn who really wrote it and why it continues to proliferate across the internet.

The Misattributed Quote

✘“Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it but to delight in it when it comes.”
Charles Dickens
Nicholas Nickleby

The Correct Quote

✓“Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it but to delight in it when it comes.”
Douglas McGrath
Nicholas Nickleby screenplay
Director Douglas McGrath
United Artists, 2002

Statistics

After surveying 104 websites featuring the misattributed quote, I found the following trends.

Percentage Type of Website
41%    Social Media
16%    Corporation/Corporate individual
16%    Quotes only
9%     Informational
7%     Topical group or discussion forum
3%     Quotes paraphernalia for purchase
3%     Academic/educational/school
2%     Quotes a major feature
2%     Online app or service
1%     Organization

The Sources of the Misattributed Quote

Based on the above statistics, social media websites are the main mode of propagation for this misquote.  As I mentioned in my previous post, the quote virus loves social media.  It is one of the most effective ways to spread a contaminated quote.  A single person can post one misquote, and it will spread to all of his/her followers who then spread it to all of their followers who spread it to all of their followers and so on and so forth.  The bottom line is never believe a quote that is sent to you via social media.  There’s a high probability it is inaccurate.

As usual, quotes-only websites are in the top three offenders list.  As I’ve mentioned in the past, websites that specialize solely in providing quotes are the most erroneous sources for quotes.  For the most part, they are duplicates of each other and feature the same misquotes and typos often in the exact same order.  For some reason, these website administrators do not verify the information they are publishing.  Because they are so unreliable, I highly recommend avoiding them.

The Cause of the Misattributed Quote

Because the 2002 Nicholas Nickleby film is based on the Nicholas Nickleby book, it is easy to understand how the film quote came to be misattributed to the book.  However, they are two separate pieces of art with two separate creators.  Douglas McGrath wrote the screenplay, and Charles Dickens wrote the book.

Just because a film is based on a book does not mean that the entire dialog is verbatim from the book.  If this were the case, the film duration could never fit within a two-hour timeframe.  It is up to the screenwriter to condense the story and dialog into a reasonable feature-film length.  In his article “Nipping ‘Nickleby’” featured on Variety.com, McGrath humorously explains if he kept all parts of the book, “The film would then run 35 hours (34 if I cut the scene in the garden).”  Later in the article, he describes how he came up with this quote.

If you are interested in hearing the quote in the movie, it occurs in narration (Nathan Lane) during the wedding scene at the end of the film.

In short, because this quote occurs in the film and does not appear in the book, Douglas McGrath is the correct author of the quote.

My 06/18/14 post titled F. Scott Fitzgerald Gets Credit Where Credit Isn’t Due is another example of a screenwriter not getting credit for a quote.  In this instance the screenwriter is Eric Roth for his work in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Most Disappointing Find

I came across two professors with this misquote on their university homepages.  I am disappointed and saddened to find that the quote virus has wormed its way into the hallowed halls of academia.

Most Amusing Find

I found today’s misquote on a quotes-only website where the administrator claims his website is different from all others because his quotes are unique.  He writes, “Unlike other websites which source their quotes from some other websites, I handpick quotes from magazines, articles, interviews, newspapers, books etc. so users get a plethora of unique and interesting quotes.”  The funny/sad thing is his site not only features today’s misquote but also features other commonly misattributed quotes.  In reality, his site is just like the rest of them—unverified and unreliable.

Bibliophile Websites Are Not Reliable Sources for Quotes

One would think that a bibliophile website would be a great resource for book quotes.  After all, this is a place where avid readers communicate and share their love of books.  However, I came across five book-lover websites that feature today’s misquote.  I’ve also seen this phenomenon while doing research for previous blog posts.  It appears that even though these people profess their love for books, not all of them are genuine and are getting their quotes from quote websites, social media, or sources other than the actual book they are quoting.  So the moral is do not trust quotes found on these websites.

For Sale

As with so many of my previous posts, today’s misquote is also available for purchase.  I found a necklace offered for $10.96 and a bracelet for $34.00.  But wait! It gets better.  You can also purchase a heart pendant necklace on sale for just $24.98; the regular price is $55.00.  So my question is, “what happened?”  Did the price get reduced because someone realized the quote on the pendant was inaccurate?  Hmm . . . Something tells me that’s wishful thinking on my part (smile, wink, chuckle).

Final Analysis

In conclusion, never trust quotes on social media.  Never trust quotes from quote websites.  Never trust quotes found on academic websites.  Never trust quotes from bibliophile websites.  Never trust quotes found on merchandise for sale.

Only use quotes from a source that contains verified AND detailed source information with each quote.  The name attribution alone is not sufficient.  It should be accompanied by the title of the work in which the quote is found as well as relevant information such as chapter, act, scene, line number, stanza, etc.

Kill the Quote Virus

We can only exterminate the quote virus through education.  Please share the knowledge by forwarding this post to family and friends.  You can also “like” my Facebook fan page or follow me @SueBrewton on Twitter to help spread the word.

“Be the antidote and don’t misquote.”

©Sue Brewton

Walt Whitman vs. Henry Miller

/ Sue Brewton / 2 Comments

The subject of today’s post is a quote that is often misattributed to Walt Whitman.  The correct source is actually Henry Miller.  Read on to learn who is responsible for perpetuating this misquote.

The Misattributed Quote

✘“Do anything, but let it produce joy.”
Walt Whitman

The Correct Quote

✓“Do anything, but let it produce joy.”
Henry Miller
Tropic of Cancer
Chapter 13

The Correct Work of Origin is Tropic of Cancer

Henry Miller’s novel Tropic of Cancer published in 1934 is the work in which the quote is found.  Here is the quote featured in chapter 13.

The Quote Found in 'Tropic of Cancer' by Henry Miller

The Quote Found in ‘Tropic of Cancer’ by Henry Miller

Here is the book title page.

Title Page of 'Tropic of Cancer' by Henry Miller

Title Page of ‘Tropic of Cancer’ by Henry Miller

Statistics

After surveying 115 websites featuring the misattributed quote, I found the following trends.

Percentage Type of Website
39%    Social Media
24%    Corporation/corporate individual
12%    Quotes only
6%     Informational (sports, science, news, etc.)
5%     Online app or service
3%     Quotes a major feature
3%     Academic/educational/school
3%     Quotes paraphernalia for purchase
3%     Discussion forum
2%     Organization

The Source of the Misattributed Quote

In a rare twist of events it is not the usual quotes-only websites that are the major offenders in propagating a misquote.  Out of the 115 websites featuring this misattributed quote, I found it is social media that is the main culprit.  As I have discussed in previous posts, the quote virus thrives through social media.  Every time a misquote is posted on a social media website, it becomes a contagion waiting to be spread via sharing, retweeting, repinning, etc.  Much like a physiological virus, the quote virus multiplies by moving from a single person to all others who follow that person, and each of those people spread it to all of their followers who spread it to all of their followers and so on and so forth.

The Source of the Work Can Also Be Misattributed

Most quotes found on the internet and in quote books simply attribute the author of the quote and do not include the work in which the quote is found.  However, today’s misquote is unusual in that 37% of the websites I surveyed cite Walt Whitman’s poetry anthology Leaves of Grass in addition to his name.  Clearly whoever originated the misquote included the work and then most people who propagated it copied the entire citation.  So not only is the author incorrect but the work of origin is incorrect.

Quote Books Are Not Always Reliable

I came across a book of quotes published in 2014 that includes today’s misattributed quote.  This author clearly did not research her subject matter and, unfortunately, will now be another source of misquote propagation.  As I’ve mentioned before, just because a book is solely dedicated to quotes does not mean it contains accurate quotes.  Be wary of quote books that do not include detailed source information.  For example, if Leaves of Grass is cited, it should include the title of the poem and the section and line number(s) featuring the quote.  The author’s name alone is not sufficient.

Educators Are Also Guilty of Misquotes

Unfortunately, the quote virus has infiltrated our educational system.  I came across two elementary school websites featuring today’s misattributed quote on teacher bios.  It is disappointing that a teacher wouldn’t take the time to find a legitimate quote out of a work s/he actually read.  A school is the one place one would hope to find reliable information.  With the proliferation of so much inaccurate data on the internet, this is not the case.  Even educators have fallen victim to the quote virus.

False Advertising

I came across an e-book service that offers Leaves of Grass as a free download.  The funny (sad) thing is that the description next to Whitman’s book includes Henry Miller’s quote.  This is obviously very misleading.

I also stumbled upon a rare books website selling a second edition of Leaves of Grass for $15,000.  This website also places today’s misattributed quote next to the Whitman’s book.  More false advertising.

Most Amusing Find

I discovered a floral design business actually called Leaves of Grass Designs, and the misquote is the first thing listed under the website’s “About” page.  It is followed by claims they will bring “joy” to your event and that their flowers are “joyful.”  Clearly, this business was named after a misquote.

For Sale

There are many websites offering misquotes for sale, and today’s misquote is no exception.  For example, I found t-shirts ranging from $17.95 to $20.95 as well as greeting cards in a box set of eight for $24.00.  I would say that’s a pretty good profit for flawed merchandise.

Kill the Quote Virus

I will close once again with a plea to you, dear reader, to help kill the quote virus.  Please practice safe quoting by following the tips on my “What You Can Do” page.  You can also help by sharing the knowledge.  Forward this post to family and friends or “like” my Facebook fan page or follow me on Twitter.  And remember:  don’t trust any quotes sent to you via social media.  Check them out before sharing them.

“Be the antidote and don’t misquote.”

©Sue Brewton

Reintroducing Miss Quote

/ Sue Brewton / Leave a comment

It was recently brought to my attention that the Miss Quote video does not play on all mobile devices.  I have reformatted it to correct this problem.  So I would like to take this opportunity to reintroduce the character of Miss Quote who loves quotes but just can’t seem to get them right.  Bring your popcorn and sense of humor and watch episode 1 as Miss Quote learns who REALLY said, “To be or not to be.”