Quote by Abraham Lincoln
I believe it is an established maxim in morals that he who makes an assertion without knowing whether it is true or false is guilty of falsehood, and the accidental truth of the assertion does not justify or excuse him.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the moral principle that making assertions without knowing the truth or falsehood behind them is considered dishonest. Simply stumbling upon the truth by accident does not absolve someone of their guilt in spreading false information. The quote highlights the importance of verifying facts before making any claims or assertions, suggesting that the intention and knowledge behind an assertion are crucial in determining its honesty or falsehood.