Have you ever enjoyed a good, trenchant quote by a famous statesman—only to find the quote was made up? The wisdom came from a reporter or politician or speechmaker who embellished the original? Every such instance is a good reminder to check facts with original sources before you repeat them in a book.

In last week’s Wall Street Journal, reporter Cameron McWhirter revealed how often people repeat erroneous Thomas Jefferson quotes. Did Jefferson say, “If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed”? Nope—even if it does appear all over the internet. Check out McWhirter’s fun article here.

[Revised January 2020. Originally published December 11, 2012]