I agree that popular quotes can be used irrationally—a shield to hide behind instead of questioning what is actually best. However, sometimes they are simply good advice in some situations and bad advice in others. Can you not think of a class of scenarios in which Lincoln’s advice is good advice?
I suppose it helps to add that my distaste stems from the usage of these quotes as blanket life-advice, without recognizing that they are situation-dependent.
I.e. I consider the quote in my original post a factor in the increase of perceived reluctance of people to ask questions, either in class or at work, for fear of seeming the fool.
I agree that popular quotes can be used irrationally—a shield to hide behind instead of questioning what is actually best. However, sometimes they are simply good advice in some situations and bad advice in others. Can you not think of a class of scenarios in which Lincoln’s advice is good advice?
True, context adds meaning to the quote.
I suppose it helps to add that my distaste stems from the usage of these quotes as blanket life-advice, without recognizing that they are situation-dependent.
I.e. I consider the quote in my original post a factor in the increase of perceived reluctance of people to ask questions, either in class or at work, for fear of seeming the fool.