Saidbook

Misattributed quotes

Some of the most-shared quotes were never said by the people they are credited to. Here are the ones Wikiquote lists as misattributed, with what is known about where they really came from.

We rely on the notes and sources recorded on Wikiquote and show them next to each quote. “Misattributed” means the evidence points away from the credited person — it does not always tell us who did say it.

Above all things I entreat you to preserve your faith in Christ. It is my wealth in poverty, my joy in sorrow, my peace amid tumult. For all the evil I have committed, my gracious pardon; and for every effort, my exceeding great reward. I have found it to be so. I can smile with pity at the infidel whose vanity makes him dream that I should barter such a blessing for the few subtleties from the school of the cold-blooded sophists.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge Misattributed

Reported in Josiah Hotchkiss Gilbert, Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895), p. 235, and various other sources beginning no earlier than 1880; actually an elaboration and modification of a quote by D.W. Clark, The Mount… Read the full notes

The Holy Ghost carries on the whole Christian system in His truth. Not a baptism, not a marriage, not a Sacrament can be administered but by the Holy Ghost … There is no authority civil or religious: There can be no legitimate government but what is administered by the Holy Ghost. There can be no salvation without it. All without it is rebellion and perdition, or in more orthodox words damnation.

John Adams Misattributed

But my Friend there is something very serious in this Business. The Holy Ghost carries on the whole Christian system in this earth. Not a Baptism, not a Marriage not a Sacrament can be administered but by the Holy Ghost, who is transmitted… Read the full notes

How odd
Of God
To choose
The Jews

Dorothy Parker Misattributed

Similar sayings have also been attributed to Ogden Nash (1902-1971) 'It wasn't odd; the Jews chose God | Cecil Brown But not so odd As those who choose A Jewish God, But spurn the Jews | Leo Rosten Not odd Of God The goyim Annoy 'im. Read the full notes

Never answer an anonymous letter.

Yogi Berra Misattributed Berra expressly denied this widespread attribution in Yogi: It Ain’t Over (1989)

Berra expressly denied this widespread attribution in Yogi: It Ain’t Over (1989), p. 11, but later embraced it in The Yogi Book: I really didn’t say everything I said! (1998). Quote Investigator traces this saying to the 19th century. Read the full notes

Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic for which it stands. Miracles do not cluster and what has happened once in 6,000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to the Constitution, for if the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world.

Daniel Webster Misattributed

Webster did say, in two different places and times, words that are similar enough to be the presumable basis of this misquote, though the phrase "the Republic for which it stands" is best known from its presence in The Pledge of… Read the full notes