"Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see."
It's good advice.
I tend to think of this quote in the context of media and internet content. It is certainly wise to discount most of what one reads and sees and hears online or on the TV. And if not discount, then we should exercise a healthy skepticism at least.
Imagine the arguments that could be avoided and the outrage we could be spared. There is no doubt our collective blood pressure would drop back into safe ranges.
But consider the source of the quote above. It was written by Edgar Allan Poe in a short story entitled The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Fether.
Published in 1845.
One hundred and seventy-six years ago!
Poe was obviously not referencing the internet or cable news.
"Mass media" in his day would have gone no further than newspapers, books and assorted periodicals.
He was obviously talking primarily about personal conversations and gossip and such.
Obviously it is exaggeration to advise people to believe NOTHING of what they hear and only HALF of what they see.
But HOW exaggerated?
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