Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around famous quotes that are commonly misattributed to individuals, exploring the origins and contexts of these quotes. Participants share various quotes, identify the individuals they are typically attributed to, and discuss the true sources or contexts behind them.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant introduces the concept of misattributed quotes and provides the first example: "Elementary, my dear Watson."
- Another participant suggests "Sherlock Holmes?" as the answer to the first quote.
- Multiple participants discuss the quote "Play it again Sam," noting that the actual line is "Play it Sam."
- There is mention of the quote "To arms, to arms, the British are coming," with one participant suggesting it was obscenely laced in its original form.
- Another participant references Paul Revere's actual message, stating he never explicitly said the commonly attributed phrase.
- Discussion includes the quote "Luke, I am your father," with a participant noting that Darth Vader did not use Luke's name in the original line.
- One participant mentions the quote "Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt," attributing it to Mark Twain but noting it is also linked to others like Abraham Lincoln and Confucius.
- Another participant discusses the quote "E = mc^2," clarifying that while Einstein used it, he also expressed skepticism about mass-energy conversion in a later statement.
- There is a discussion about a quote attributed to Nelson Mandela, which was actually said by Marianne Williamson, highlighting how quotes can change meaning based on their attribution.
- One participant humorously suggests that printed quotes can be trusted, contrasting them with internet quotes.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the misattribution of various quotes, but multiple competing views remain regarding the true origins and contexts of these quotes. The discussion does not reach a consensus on all points raised.
Contextual Notes
Some quotes are discussed without clear sources, and assumptions about their origins may vary. The discussion highlights the complexity of attribution and the potential for misinterpretation over time.