“I recalled the late Mr. Pincutt’s advice—facts are three-fourths of the law.”
Share this quote
Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: From Gandhi's An Autobiography (My Experiments with Truth); recalls barrister Mr Pincutt's advice that 'facts are three-fourths of the law.'
About this quote
Cleverness with rules counts for little if you don't command the facts underneath them. Most arguments, legal or otherwise, are won by the person who did the patient work of gathering evidence and knowing every detail. Master the facts and the reasoning tends to fall into place.
When to use it
- A lawyer wins because she knows every document in the file better than opposing counsel does.
- A job candidate outshines a smoother but unprepared rival simply by researching the company thoroughly.
- A student carries the debate because she gathered the sources, not because she is the better speaker.