10 Famous Quotes That Were Never Actually Said

These 10 well-known quotes are often repeated, but the people they’re linked to never actually said them.

Sophia Zapanta
May 9, 2025
4 min read

10 Famous Quotes That Were Never Actually Said — Namrick01 on Wikimedia Commons

Some quotes are so popular that they seem too perfect to question. However, many of them were misattributed, misquoted, or never said at all. Understanding their true origins helps separate historical fact from myth.

1. “Let them eat cake.” — Marie Antoinette

Jean-Baptiste André Gautier-Dagoty on Wikimedia Commons

This quote is often used to show how out of touch Marie Antoinette was with the poor during the French Revolution. However, there is no historical evidence that she ever said it. The phrase appeared in Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s writing when she was a child and referred to a different unnamed princess. Historians agree it was falsely linked to her after her death.

2. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Elliott & Fry on Wikimedia Commons

This quote is widely shared as a call to personal action. Gandhi promoted similar ideas, but he never said this exact sentence. The closest verified quote from him says that we must reflect the change we want in society through our behavior. The modern version is a simplified paraphrase.

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

Nicolas de Largillière on Wikimedia Commons

This quote is often used to support free speech. However, it was written by Evelyn Beatrice Hall in 1906, summarizing Voltaire’s beliefs without directly quoting him. She never meant for it to be taken as his words, and it has since been mistakenly attributed to him in many publications.

4. “The ends justify the means.” — Niccolò Machiavelli

Santi di Tito on Wikimedia Commons

Machiavelli is often linked with this phrase to suggest ruthless politics. However, he never wrote these exact words in The Prince or any other known work. His writings explored similar ideas, but the phrase was likely created later to summarize his philosophy. It oversimplifies his complex views on power and morality.

5. “Elementary, my dear Watson.” — Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle)

Siddharth Krish on Wikimedia Commons

This phrase is strongly associated with Sherlock Holmes in films and TV shows. However, it never appears in any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories. Holmes does say “Elementary” and often addresses Watson, but the full phrase was added in later adaptations. It became popular through 20th-century movies.

6. “Money is the root of all evil.” — The Bible

Joshua Keller on Wikimedia Commons

This quote is a shortened version of a Bible verse, but it changes the meaning. The original text, from 1 Timothy 6:10, says, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” It refers to greed, not money itself. The misquote has caused confusion about the original message.

7. “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” — Mark Twain

A.F. Bradley, New York on Wikimedia Commons

This quote has been attributed to Twain, but no record of him saying or writing it. A similar idea appeared earlier in writings by Jonathan Swift in the 18th century. Over time, the wording evolved and was linked to Twain due to his reputation for sharp commentary. Scholars agree it is not his.

8. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” — Edmund Burke

John Chester Buttre on Wikimedia Commons

This quote is often cited in discussions of moral responsibility, but no reliable source shows that Burke ever wrote or said it. The quote first appeared in a slightly different form in the 20th century. It reflects Burke’s views in general, but the wording is not his.

9. “I cannot tell a lie.” — George Washington

Gilbert Stuart on Wikimedia Commons

According to the story, young Washington confessed to chopping down a cherry tree. This tale was invented by biographer Mason Locke Weems in the early 1800s. It was meant to teach children about honesty but is not based on fact. Historians view it as a myth created to build Washington’s legend.

10. “If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.” — Adolf Hitler

Wabbuh on Wikimedia Commons

This quote is often falsely attributed to Hitler as if it represents his personal belief. In Mein Kampf, Hitler actually accused others, especially political enemies, of using the “big lie” tactic. He described it as something they did, not something he endorsed. The misquote distorts the original context and meaning.