This cynical directive warns against unquestioning acceptance of information, urging extreme caution and skepticism. It advises a critical approach to both spoken words and visual evidence, suggesting that deception and illusion are common in the world.
Quote by Edgar Allan Poe: “Believe nothing you hear, and only half of what you see.”
Believe nothing you hear, and only half of what you see.
Insight
Historical Context
From 'The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Fether,' a satirical short story. This reflects Poe's own skepticism towards popular beliefs and his interest in the unreliable nature of human perception, a common theme in his detective fiction and horror.
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American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic. Poe is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre, including The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart.
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