About this quote

Popularity and accuracy simply aren't linked. A falsehood repeated by millions gains volume but not one grain of validity, and a fact ignored by everyone loses none of its standing. What's real doesn't need an audience in order to keep being real.

When to use it

• A scientist holding to replicated results while a louder, mistaken consensus dominates the headlines.
• Refusing to accept a rumor about a colleague just because the whole office keeps repeating it.
• Trusting a careful diagnosis a patient dismisses because 'everyone online' insists otherwise.