20 Famous Quotes That Are Often Misattributed

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Quotes have a way of capturing profound truths and memorable sentiments in just a few words. However, over time, many famous quotes have been misattributed, leading to widespread misconceptions about their origins. In this list, we explore 20 well-known quotes that are often incorrectly credited to famous figures. By uncovering the true sources of these sayings, we aim to set the record straight and provide a fascinating look at how words can take on a life of their own. From misunderstood attributions to completely fabricated origins, these quotes highlight the importance of accuracy in the stories we share and the wisdom we pass down.

1. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Close-up image of an intricate portrait of an elderly man with round glasses, a mustache, and a bald head with short hair on the sides. The detailed texture and lines give a lifelike quality, suggesting that the image is likely taken from a banknote.
  • Misattributed to: Mahatma Gandhi
  • Actual Source: The quote is a paraphrase of Gandhi’s philosophy but not a direct quote from him.

2. “Let them eat cake.”

A classical portrait of a woman in 18th-century aristocratic attire. She's seated in an ornate chair, wearing an elaborate blue and white gown adorned with lace and ribbons. Her powdered hair is styled high, and she has a serene, composed expression.
  • Misattributed to: Marie Antoinette
  • Actual Source: Jean-Jacques Rousseau mentioned this phrase in his work “Confessions,” written before Marie Antoinette was queen.

3. “Elementary, my dear Watson.”

A man wearing a classic detective outfit with a houndstooth deerstalker hat, plaid coat, and a patterned scarf, holds a magnifying glass up to a tree while smoking a pipe. The scene evokes a vintage detective atmosphere.
  • Misattributed to: Sherlock Holmes
  • Actual Source: This exact phrase never appears in Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories; it was popularized by adaptations.

4. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

A formal painted portrait of a distinguished individual with short, light-colored hair, wearing a dark red coat and a white cravat. The background is dark, which highlights the subject's focused, slightly side-facing expression.
  • Misattributed to: Edmund Burke
  • Actual Source: The quote cannot be found in Burke’s writings and is likely a summary of his ideas.

5. “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

A historical painting of a man with shoulder-length, curly gray hair. He is wearing an elaborate green coat with red and gold trim and a white lace cravat. The background is plain and dark, emphasizing the man's composed expression.
  • Misattributed to: Voltaire
  • Actual Source: The phrase was written by Evelyn Beatrice Hall to summarize Voltaire’s beliefs in her book “The Friends of Voltaire.”

6. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

A black-and-white photograph of a man with a mustache and wild hair, wearing a dark three-piece suit and tie. He stands in front of a chalkboard with a diagram drawn on it, holding a piece of chalk in his right hand while looking at the camera.
  • Misattributed to: Albert Einstein
  • Actual Source: The origin of this quote is unclear, but it was popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous.

7. “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.”

An elderly man with white, curly hair and a thick mustache, dressed in a light-colored suit jacket over a high-collared shirt. He is looking slightly to the side with a serious expression. The background is dark and plain.
  • Misattributed to: Mark Twain
  • Actual Source: Variations of this quote have been attributed to Blaise Pascal and others before Twain’s time.

8. “The ends justify the means.”

A detailed painting depicts a middle-aged man with a slightly stern expression. He has short hair and is dressed in a dark robe over a vibrant red garment. He holds a book and rests his hand on a surface, while gazing directly towards the viewer.
  • Misattributed to: Niccolo Machiavelli
  • Actual Source: Machiavelli never wrote this phrase directly; it is a simplified interpretation of his ideas in “The Prince.”

9. “There’s a sucker born every minute.”

A sepia-toned portrait of a middle-aged man with curly hair. He is wearing a dark suit, a bow tie, and a white shirt. The man has a stern expression and is looking slightly to the right. The background is plain and unobtrusive.
  • Misattributed to: P.T. Barnum
  • Actual Source: The quote is more likely from a competitor, David Hannum, criticizing Barnum.

10. “Good artists copy; great artists steal.”

A black and white photo of an older man with a bald head and expressive eyes, resting his chin on his clasped hands. He wears a light-colored shirt and a wristwatch, with an abstract painting in the background.
  • Misattributed to: Pablo Picasso
  • Actual Source: The phrase was likely adapted from T.S. Eliot’s “Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal.”

11. “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

An elderly man with a shaved head and round glasses is wearing a white draped garment. He has a gentle smile and is looking directly at the camera. The background is plain and slightly blurred.
  • Misattributed to: Mahatma Gandhi
  • Actual Source: This is a paraphrase and not a direct quote from Gandhi.

12. “God helps those who help themselves.”

Open Bible lying on a dark wooden surface with visible text from the Book of Psalms. The Bible pages are slightly aged, with clear columns of text and verse numbers. The page on the right includes Psalms 22 and 23.
  • Misattributed to: The Bible
  • Actual Source: The phrase is from Benjamin Franklin’s “Poor Richard’s Almanack.”

13. “Blood, sweat, and tears.”

Black and white portrait of an older man in a suit and bow tie, standing against a wooden paneled wall. He has a serious expression and is resting one hand on a chair while the other is on his hip.
  • Misattributed to: Winston Churchill
  • Actual Source: Churchill said “blood, toil, tears, and sweat” in a 1940 speech.

14. “Money is the root of all evil.”

A close-up of a row of Holy Bible books on a shelf, each with distinctive covers and different fonts for the title. The colors include white, black, and various shades of beige. The background is a plain light brown wall.
  • Misattributed to: The Bible
  • Actual Source: The actual Bible verse is “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).

15. “Houston, we have a problem.”

A smiling astronaut in a white spacesuit with an American flag patch stands indoors next to a moon globe. The background features a starry space scene with red hues. The astronaut has short, neat hair and poses with one hand on the globe.
  • Misattributed to: Jim Lovell
  • Actual Source: The actual quote from the Apollo 13 mission was “Houston, we’ve had a problem here.”

16. “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

A black-and-white photograph of a middle-aged man with wild, curly hair and a mustache, wearing a suit and tie. He appears to be engaged in conversation with another man partially visible to the right. A blurred figure in the background suggests a crowd.
  • Misattributed to: Albert Einstein
  • Actual Source: The true origin of this quote is unclear, and it does not appear in Einstein’s writings.

17. “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”

An older man with white hair and glasses, wearing a light blue button-down shirt, stands outdoors with people and a camera visible in the background.
  • Misattributed to: Woody Allen
  • Actual Source: While Allen is often credited, there is no definitive source confirming he said this.

18. “Live long and prosper.”

Black and white photo of a man with a straight haircut and pointed ears, wearing a high-collared shirt. He is posing next to a circular object, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression.
  • Misattributed to: Spock (Star Trek)
  • Actual Source: While Spock popularized it, the phrase has roots in Jewish culture, specifically the Priestly Blessing.

19. “I cannot tell a lie.”

A formal portrait of an older man with pale skin and white hair, facing slightly to the right. He is dressed in 18th-century clothing, including a dark coat and ruffled white shirt. The background is dark and plain.
  • Misattributed to: George Washington
  • Actual Source: This quote comes from a myth popularized by Parson Weems in a biography of Washington.

20. “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

A portrait painting of a man with curly light brown hair, sitting and resting his head on his left hand. He is wearing a dark coat and a white shirt with a black necktie. The background is dark and features a hint of a chair on his right side.
  • Misattributed to: Edward Bulwer-Lytton
  • Actual Source: Bulwer-Lytton wrote this phrase in his play “Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy,” not as a personal statement.
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