Buzz
Explore a compilation of widely recognized phrases that many use to display their intellect. However, these quotes are frequently credited to incorrect individuals. To clarify, here are the top 16 sayings that are commonly misattributed.
1. W C Fields
Someone who dislikes both children and dogs surely has some redeeming qualities.
Actually said by: Leo Rosten: during a dinner introducing Fields
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2. Horace Greeley
Head west, young man!
Actually said by: John Soule (Article, Terre Haute Express, 1851)
3. Mark Twain
Everyone discusses the weather, yet no one takes action to change it!
Actually said by: Charles Dudley Warner (Editorial, Hartford Courant, August 24, 1897)
4. Charles Darwin
Only the strongest survive.
Actually said by: Herbert Spencer (Principles of Biology and earlier works)
5. Thomas Jefferson
The best government is the one that intervenes the least.
Actually said by: Henry David Thoreau (who placed it in quotation marks in ‘Civil Disobedience’ and referred to it as a motto)
6. The Bible
Being clean is akin to being holy.
Actually said by: John Wesley (Sermons, no 93, ‘On Dress’)
7. Confucius
Every long journey starts with just one step.
Actually said by: Lao-Tzu (To Te Ching)
8. The Bible
Divine assistance favors those who take initiative.
Actually said by: Aesop (“The gods help them that help themselves”)
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9. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Perfection lies in the details.
Actually said by: Francois Rabelais (“The good God is in the details”)
10. Harry S Truman
If the pressure is too much, step away from the stove.
Actually said by: Harry Vaughn (Truman’s friend, whom Truman was quoting)
11. V I Lenin
Promises are as fragile as pie crusts, meant to be shattered.
Actually said by: Jonathan Swift (Polite conversation: “promises are like pie crust, leaven to be broken”)
12. Mark Twain
Wagner’s compositions are more impressive than they initially seem.
Actually said by: Edgar Wilson Nye
13. Hermann Goring
Whenever someone mentions “culture,” I instinctively grab my weapon.
Actually said by: Hanns Johst (1933 play Schlageter: “Whenever I hear the word ‘culture’, I reach for my Browning”)
14. Vince Lombardi
Victory isn’t just important; it’s the sole objective.
Actually said by: Red Sanders (UCLA football coach; quoted in Sports Illustrated, 1955)
15. The Bible
If you avoid discipline, you’ll ruin the child.
Actually said by: Samuel Butler (Hudibras, 1664)
16. Muhammad Ali
Move gracefully like a butterfly, strike sharply like a bee; your fists can’t land on what your vision can’t catch.
Actually said by: Drew ‘Bundini’ Brown (Ali’s close companion)
17. Queen Marie Antoinette
If they lack bread, let them enjoy cake!
Actually said by: Jean-Jacques Rousseau (In his ‘Confessions’, 1767)
Source: The Book of Lists
