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The morning alarm shrieks. You hunt for your phone, squinting at the time—6:30 a.m. But outside, the world is still cloaked in darkness. A chill creeps through the room. You stumble to the kitchen, haunted by the ghosts of summer mornings past. The coffee machine hisses like a creature awakened from its slumber. You shiver. You know what this means, but it’s too late. The annual terror has arrived. Welcome, dear reader . . . to daylight saving time.
And while the terror of losing an hour of sunlight may sound dramatic, it’s not entirely without cause. For many people—students especially—the shift to shorter days and longer nights marks the beginning of something more serious: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often starting in late fall when daylight dwindles. SAD symptoms increase as daylight decreases. When the brain gets less sunlight, it produces less serotonin—happy chemicals—and more melatonin—sleepy chemicals.[1] While the cold weather and decreased amount of sunlight often affects how people think, feel, and behave, significant changes in a person’s mood or behavior may point to Seasonal Affective Disorder.[2]
SAD can cause a person to experience . . .
- A sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
- Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
- Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes.
- Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment.
- Oversleeping (hypersomnia).
- Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain.
- Social withdrawal (feeling like you’re “hibernating”).[2]
Lastly, many people with SAD report having suicidal ideations or thoughts about attempting suicide. These feelings are serious and should be reported to a trusted medical professional.
Students might show it in subtle ways: a drop in motivation, increased absences, or an unshakable fatigue that no amount of coffee (or energy drinks) seems to fix. Students suffering with SAD may have a noticeable decline in their academic performance, caused by a difficulty in staying focused or motivated. They may be absent frequently or begin to withdraw from social activities and friends. SAD can also cause students to report headaches, changes in appetite, or excessive tiredness, often related to oversleeping.[3]
On November 2, 2025, daylight saving time (DST) ends, and clocks fall back by one hour at 2 a.m. DST was initially introduced in America during World War I to increase productivity by lengthening the workday and conserving fuel. After WWI ended, daylight saving time was reintroduced and appealed a handful of times, until the 1966 Uniform Time Act reestablished the time change. States that do not wish to participate in the twice-yearly change can opt out of DST and remain on standard time—they cannot opt into permanent daylight saving time. [4]
However, recent debates have pointed out the potential physical and mental health risks of bouncing between times and are proposing a permanent switch—either to DST by moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, or to standard time by keeping that hour in the morning year-round. Some proponents of this idea argue that it could help students outside of school by gaining an extra hour of sunlight after school ends, boosting their mental health and well-being. However, others point to cons of adopting a permanent daylight-saving schedule: icy morning commutes, students waiting for the bus in the dark, and later start times that some schools implement in response to DST. Finally, some experts worry that this permanent change would signal our internal circadian clock to wake up later and therefore stay up later—which has been associated with increased drug use, physical and mental health issues, and sleepiness that can cause lower productivity. [5]
Regardless of where these debates take us, understanding how to support students with SAD is key to helping them through the darker winter months. Educators can:
- Try light and color adjustments – The use of amber or red lenses can help relax the eyes and block out more blue light, which may help students feel more balanced and less affected by winter fatigue. [6]
- Promote physical activity – Regular exercise boosts endorphin levels and supports energy management. Winter walks or indoor fitness routines can be especially helpful.
- Encourage healthy eating – Nutritious foods can help combat the effects of SAD and stabilize energy levels.
- Foster open conversations – Talking about SAD and complex emotions can help students recognize their mood patterns and feel more comfortable opening up about their struggles.
- Establish a Supportive Environment – Create a welcoming space where students feel comfortable talking about their mental health. Educators and counselors can host sessions or support groups that normalize mental health discussions, encouraging students to openly share their challenges and coping strategies.[7]
- Watch for adverse reactions to SAD – If a student shows signs of severe depression, it’s essential to seek professional help.
Publishing Solutions Group
At Publishing Solutions Group, we understand that a student’s capacity to learn is deeply intertwined with their overall well-being. External challenges—from the seasonal shift into darker months to the various personal and academic pressures students face—can create significant barriers to effective learning. We recognize that these struggles are not mere distractions but real factors that impact focus, motivation, and, ultimately, academic performance. Our mission is built on the premise that learning must be supported holistically, acknowledging the whole student in every context.
Our commitment is to partner with our clients by providing dynamic, empathetic, and adaptable educational content designed to meet learners where they are. No matter the challenge—be it SAD, stress, or other obstacles—we create the resources to make learning as accessible and effective as possible. By creating materials that are not only rigorous but also engaging and supportive of mental well-being, we empower educators to foster resilient and successful learners, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to thrive through any struggle.
[1] https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sad.html
[2]https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
[3]https://psycapps.com/identifying-and-supporting-students-with-seasonal-depression/#:~:text=SAD%20symptoms%20can%20sometimes%20mirror,tiredness%2C%20often%20related%20to%20oversleeping
[4]https://usafacts.org/articles/why-does-daylight-saving-time-exist/
[5]https://www.colorado.edu/today/2022/03/28/why-permanent-daylight-saving-time-bad-idea
[6]https://daveasprey.com/health-benefits-red-light-therapy/
[7]https://www.boystown.org/nevada/news
Photo by Andrej Lišakov for Unsplash.
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Introduction
Routines are a common practice in today’s society. Most people have at least one part of their day scheduled into their daily routine, whether it be getting up at a certain time, going to work, or getting some exercise in. As a college student, I find I struggle to have a consistent everyday routine as each day I have a different class schedule and different activities to participate in. The organized chaos of my life sometimes makes me feel a bit overwhelmed, as I am not always sure of the direction my day will end up going. I always have found my lack of a daily routine somewhat unnerving, but I didn’t realize until recently just how much my life can be affected by my daily actions. Having a daily routine could help me establish health benefits, make time for myself and my loved ones, and help me overall become more productive, and the same goes for you! Transforming your tasks into a routine could give you the tools you need to take your life to the next level. Let’s figure out how we can make this happen!
What is a routine and what are the benefits of having one?
A routine is defined as a habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure. According to career coach Marty Nemko, a routine is, “something you know you can do well…which can be comforting during tough times,” and therefore something that you can rely on.[1] For me, my most habitual performance takes place in the morning. I always get up and immediately make myself breakfast and a cup of coffee before getting dressed and starting my day. Though Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once described actions like this as “the dull routine of existence,”[1] establishing routines can lead to a plethora of health and wellness benefits. For example, according to WebMD, your stress levels will fall and your happiness levels will increase with the presence of routine. Having a plan makes a person feel more in control and gives them less to worry about.[2] Not only that but incorporating “thinking time” into a daily routine will give somebody the chance to think through their problems rather than push them aside, which builds stress later on. Happiness will increase as well because fostering a good routine will allow a person to build time into their day for fun. Beyond psychological benefits though, routines can lead to physical benefits such as better sleep and a healthier diet. As Northwestern Medicine explains, “Routines like your sleep schedule and bedtime habits affect your mental sharpness, emotional well-being, and energy. Maintaining consistent times for waking and going to bed can help you get better rest.”[3] Sleep schedules in particular are quite a challenge to maintain, in my opinion. However, there is no denying just how useful it is to try and stick to one as much as possible. In terms of building a healthier diet, by establishing a routine and prioritizing time for going to the grocery store and making meals, it becomes much more possible to eat healthier foods and prepare good, well-rounded meals. Meal planning, meal prep, and trips to the grocery store are three key factors in establishing a healthy eating routine. Other ways to build a healthier lifestyle into your routine can be leaving time for exercise, whether it be going to the gym or just going for a walk outside when the weather is nice. It can be practicing yoga and meditation in the morning, or reading a good book at night before bed. Overall, routines can be, “enjoyable and fulfilling, and their health benefits may make you wonder why you did not start one earlier.”[3]
Routines: Are there drawbacks to having them?
Routines, however, aren’t necessarily for everyone. Some people cannot stand the idea of being trapped, doing the same things over and over. Psychology Today argues that habitual behavior can cut a person off from their feelings, pushing them into autopilot, which may cause someone to lose touch with emotional and sensory experiences.[4] However, sometimes going through a routine is exactly what somebody may need to benefit themselves emotionally or sensorially, as details of their routine may be built in to improve emotional and physical well-being. Another possible drawback of routines that Psychology Today introduces is boredom. Doing the same thing every day can make things boring and take the adventure out of life. However, by simply making adjustments to daily routine from time to time, such as switching out coffee at home for coffee in a cafe, or going on a run vs. going on a walk with a friend, individuals can maintain a sense of spontaneity and excitement into their day, while still incorporating important aspects of their daily routine. It is important to mention also, that it is possible to develop unhealthy routines. An example of an unhealthy routine could be consistently going to bed too late, or spending too much time on social media every day. Art Frenz, P.H.D., also suggests that a negative routine could be “routinely say ‘Yes’ when asked to go the extra mile when it would be healthier to say ‘No,’” and vice versa.[5] Therefore, when establishing parts of your routine, it is important to understand what habits serve you well and know the limits of your capabilities. So, how do you build the ideal routine for you?
How to form a realistic, personal routine
There are a few key ways to build a routine that allows time for productivity, wellness, and fun, without putting too much on your plate. The first way to do this is to start small. Don’t immediately add too many activities to your itinerary, or you risk the idea of burning yourself out and quickly losing motivation, maybe not sticking to any aspects of the routine. Also, if there are certain tasks you do every day, like brushing your teeth, doing the dishes, or taking a shower, try and find a way to do those things at the same time every day. By doing this, “You’ll carve out enough time to finish the task and won’t have to wonder about how to fit it onto your growing to-do list.”[6]. Lastly, don’t convince yourself that to build a healthy routine you have to restructure your entire lifestyle. Instead, look into what you are already doing and find a way to incorporate healthier habits into those choices.[3] Establishing a routine doesn’t need to be overwhelming, it is meant to be restorative and helpful. The key is finding the balance, and taking things one day at a time until you feel satisfied with your daily habits and decisions.
Looking for more motivation or a new way to spice up your routine? There are plenty of social media bloggers and influencers out there to take inspiration from, via YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. However, be wary of copying lifestyle choices that may not be right for you or do not line up with your personal goals and desires.
[1]https://www.headspace.com/articles/the-secret-benefit-of-routines-it-wont-surprise-you
[2] https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/psychological-benefits-of-routine
[3]https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/health-benefits-of-having-a-routine#:~:text=An%20effective%20routine%20can%20help,emotional%20well%2Dbeing%20and%20energy.
[4]https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201910/why-it-s-important-break-routines
[5] https://www.artfrenzphd.com/notice-the-present-moment-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/
[6] https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/why-routines-are-good-for-your-health
[7] https://thrivemyway.com/morning-routine-stats/
Photo by Content Pixie for Unsplash.
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Public transportation can be a great way to get around a city, whether you’re a regular or a tourist. You’ve probably heard of Tokyo’s legendary rail system, London’s “Tube” and New York’s subway. Here are a few more cities around the world whose transit systems are more than just efficient, they’re a major part of their city’s story.
Hong Kong
As of 2017, 90 percent of trips made each day in Hong Kong involved public transport. Hong Kong’s MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is clean, cheap and convenient, connecting every corner of the city. There’s free Wi-Fi in every station and features like Braille plates that improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities.
Seoul, South Korea
The Seoul Metro serves around eight million passengers per day and features cell service and Wi-Fi. Some subway cars even have heated seats. The only downside is that service ends fairly early for a major city, around midnight.
Madrid, Spain
The glory of the Madrid metro system lies in the numbers. This city has one of the longest metro systems in the world, with 294 kilometers of track and another 386 kilometers of suburban rails. One station even contains a 200-square-meter archeological museum!
I love trying out the transportation systems in different places; it really gives you a chance to get to know the city. Of course, we’re all a little biased to our local system—I use the “T” here in Boston practically every day!
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If you’re a writer, you might have always thought that your mind works in a unique way. Well, science may have proved that to be true.
In 2014, German scientist Martin Lotze and his team of researchers studied the brain activity of writers and non-writers as they wrote to compare their brain functions. With the help of fMRI scanners to see which parts of the brain were being used, some differences were found.
According to the brain scan, the novices were writing stories as though they were seeing a movie going on in their heads and writing it down. The writers, on the other hand, were using their learned writing skills to create a story, using a part of the brain that harbors talents that improve with practice—like writing, or playing guitar.
Dr. Lotze has also done studies on the brain functions of athletes and musicians, and he was stunned to discover that writers’ brains functioned so similarly.
Don’t take your writer’s brain for granted—it’s a unique gift!
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The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft is the stuff of legends around Boston, but I only learned the full story when I visited the museum a couple months ago. On March 18, 1990, two thieves disguised as Boston police officers entered the museum and stole 13 priceless works of art. They managed it by tricking the security guards into moving away from any alarms, and then duct taped them to pipes in the basement! Fortunately, no one was injured, but the thieves disappeared without a trace. However, as stipulated in Gardner’s will, the museum is to remain forever unchanged, so the empty frames still hang on the walls.
The stolen works include Rembrandt’s Storm on the Sea of Galilee, Johannes Vermeer’s The Concert and Govaert Flinck’s Landscape with an Obelisk. It is considered the greatest art theft in American history. The FBI currently values the thieves’ plunder at $500 million. However, this price may have been exaggerated in an attempt to get the thieves to expose themselves when attempting to sell the art. They are also offering a $5 million reward for any information regarding the missing pieces.
The case’s most recent update came in 2013. The FBI claimed to have identified the thieves, after determining that the art had been transported to Connecticut and Philadelphia. They have not revealed the names of the thieves, but have stated that they are “members of a criminal organization with a base in the mid-Atlantic states and New England.” Theories abound, and some once even believed that the infamous James “Whitey” Bulger was involved in some capacity!
Today, over 25 years since the theft, the paintings are still missing. No arrests have been made, and there don’t appear to be any new leads as to their whereabouts. Lead investigator Geoff Kelly rejects the theory that the thieves destroyed the paintings soon after the crime, as “most criminals are savvy enough to know such valuable paintings are their ace in the hole.” The museum’s chief of security, Anthony M. Amore, adds, “Mrs. Gardner would have expected us to battle every day to get back her art.” The search will continue, and hopefully the pieces will be recovered undamaged.
Did You Know?
If your name is Isabella, you get free admission to the museum forever! Isabellas simply need to register through the museum’s website, and they’ll receive a printable card through email to use for any visits. However, be sure to also bring a valid ID to prove that your moniker does, in fact, match Gardner’s—no variations are allowed.
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At some point, someone told me the schedule for summer vacation in schools was because the farmers had needed their kids home to help with planting and harvesting crops. It wasn’t until I was older that the northern Minnesota tradition of garden planting over Memorial Day weekend began to poke little seed–sized holes in that “fact.” We planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. A lot of things have changed since the 1800s, but I don’t think basic rules of farming have changed that much.
As Kenneth Gold, associate professor and interim dean of the School of Education at CUNY’s College of Staten Island, explains in his book School’s In: Summer Education and American Public Schools 1840–2000, the agrarian school calendar that was in use in rural America had short summer and winter terms, when the farmwork was comparatively light. In contrast, the schools in urban areas were open essentially all year. In 1842, schools in New York City were open 248 days per year, compared to today’s 180 days.
It will come as no surprise to anyone living in temperate or tropical zones that summers can be hot. Cities, thanks to the heat island effect, tend to be warmer than nearby rural areas, and there was no air conditioning to keep buildings cool in the 1800s. With tall buildings blocking breezes and insects and horses all around, summers in cities could be smelly and miserable. They were the perfect time for the upper and middle classes to leave, creating an early version of summer vacations.
According to Gold, the push for a standard school year came from the school reformers of the 19th century. To ensure equal schooling, reformers wanted all schools in the country to run on the same schedule, so either the agrarian calendar or the urban calendar would have to change. Year–round schooling was not an option, as doctors were concerned that taxing young minds was unhealthy and could lead to nervous disorders.
Taking summers off so students can help on the farm seems like a perfectly reasonable explanation for those three free months most students now experience, but once you take a second look, questions start to arise. A variety of conditions, including the combination of school reform and urbanization, led to summer break and summer vacations, but working on the farm just wasn’t one of them.
Did You Know?
Amariah Brigham, a nineteenth–century psychiatrist, recommended fewer hours of school because too much “cultivation of the mind” led to “insanity and nervous affections” among students.
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Whenever I took the T (the subway system in Boston), I always tried to sneak a peek at what other commuters were reading. I’d try to read the books’ spines without the other passengers catching me. However, I’ve come to notice that more and more commuters (myself included) are on their phones these days, whether they’re listening to music, texting or updating social media. Or maybe they’re even using their phones to read. Whatever the reason, I’m finding that physical books are becoming more of an infrequent sight.
However, bibliophiles would have been pleased with Chicago’s subway this past October. During Chicago Ideas Week, which ran from October 12–18 this year, the city’s train system (the CTA, more commonly known as the “L”) participated in an initiative called Books on the L. With the goal of encouraging reading, hundreds of books (some of which were donated by Open Books, a nonprofit that promotes literacy in the Chicago area) were placed on the city’s trains for commuters to enjoy.
All that week, the L turned into a library of sorts, emphasized with the slogan, “Take it. Read it. Return it.” Each book was also marked with a bright yellow Books on the L sticker, making it easy for commuters to locate the books. Passengers could enjoy them as long as they were on the train, but were expected to leave the books behind at their final stop for the next readers. The books were selected from all sorts of genres and many were authored by individuals who appeared as guest speakers during Chicago Ideas Week, such as Martine Rothblatt, Scott Shane, Michael Strahan and Senator Claire McCaskill. The train’s transformation certainly caught the attention of social media—the hashtag #BooksOnTheL was used to spread the word about the initiative and to allow commuters to share what they read.
This was not the first year that the L train turned into a temporary library—Books on the L first debuted in 2014 during last year’s Chicago Ideas Week, which happens annually in October. So if you missed out on Books on the L this year, there is a chance it will be happening again during Chicago Ideas Week 2016 (which, by the way, will be occurring from October 17–23). Other subway systems have also taken part in similar initiatives, such as the London Underground and the New York City subway system. Perhaps, then, a mobile library will be coming to a transit system near you. I’ll personally be hoping that Boston will be the next city to take on this trend.
Did You Know?
The CTA is typically referred to as the “L,” which is short for elevated (even though only parts of the train system are elevated today). However, there is often the debate over which way to spell this abbreviation: the “L” or the “El”? It appears to be a matter of preference, but as of 2012, the Chicago Tribune’s stylebook deemed the “L” to be the acceptable spelling.
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Caves around the world hold untold secrets, and there is much we still do not know. However, intrepid spelunkers, divers and scientists are making great strides in exploring these dark depths, yielding fascinating results. Underwater and underground rivers have been found in caves and beneath the deep, and more information is being found every day.
In 2007, British diver Stephen Bogaerts and German partner Robbie Schmittner made an amazing discovery of a submerged cave system underneath Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. After more than 500 dives, they concluded it is the world’s largest submerged cave system, and that the network of caves are connected and form a single system that is 95 miles long—essentially creating an underground river.
Also in the Yucatán Peninsula is the underwater river known as Cenote Angelita (Spanish for “Little Angel”). A three–foot thick layer of hydrogen sulfide separates the freshwater from the saltwater on the bottom. There are trees and branches strewn about just like a normal river, except this one is completely submerged! Many divers explore this river, and the pictures from diver Anatoly Beloshchin are absolutely stunning. He and his crew even brought poles for some underwater fishing!
On the other side of the world, researchers from the University of Leeds discovered an underwater river flowing at the bottom of the Black Sea. The highly salty water is creating riverbanks and flood plains as if it were on the surface. This channel flows for about 37 miles, and is one of the only underwater channels to be found still flowing. Scientists theorize that these kinds of underwater rivers are essential in delivering nutrients to the deepest parts of the ocean.
Underwater exploration is endlessly fascinating, as is the information it consistently yields. The pictures and stories almost make me want to drop everything and take a scuba diving trip! Almost.
Did You Know?
The Quintana Roo Speleological Survey website is a massive database full of information concerning the underwater cave systems of Quintana Roo, Mexico. They have lists of the longest and deepest caves in the area, as well as information about cave life and proper conservation.
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In 2010, Brandon Stanton decided to create a map of New York neighborhoods by photographing 10,000 people and plotting their locations. This project became Humans of New York (HONY). Stanton began to collect quotes and stories from the people he photographed and included them with the pictures. It took HONY eight months to get its first 1,000 likes on Facebook, but by 2012 it was getting about 1,000 likes a day. HONY now has nearly 20 million followers across various social media sites and has inspired three books, the first of which was a New York Times best seller.
Since his initial project, imitations have sprung up throughout the world, and Stanton doesn’t seem to mind. He doesn’t charge anyone who would like to try, and he even offers recommendations for those interested in trying their own version of the project. Stanton addresses some fears a photographer might have, including what happens if someone refuses to have their picture taken (accept that some people will say no), how to deal with nerves (act calm so the subject will not also be nervous), what to do when the unexpected occurs (let it happen) and how to talk to the subjects (be natural—it’s not 60 Minutes).
Whether they’ve seen Stanton’s helpful hints or not, college campuses all over the world have their own versions of HONY. Humans of George Mason University was started by a freshman trying to adjust to college life. Similarly, Humans of New York University created a sense of community on its campus and is now a way for the creator to stay connected to the university.
These “Humans of” on college campuses are extremely popular. The Facebook pages of Humans of University of Florida and Humans of William and Mary both received 1,000 likes on their first day. Humans of the University of Toronto is a Canadian university’s version of the same project.
College campuses aren’t the only ones to make their own “Humans of” spin–offs. With varying levels of activity and numbers of followers, San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis, Rome and Copenhagen are among the numerous cities that have their own versions.
In the five years since it started, Humans of New York has grown to more than 5,000 pictures, has gained an impressive social media following and has spawned copies in cities and college campuses all over the world. With one project, Stanton launched a global phenomenon.
Did You Know?
There are a number of Humans of New York parodies, including Felines of New York, Orcs of New York, Boring Humans of New York, Goats of Bangladesh and Pigeons of Boston.
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The recently departed and eminently quotable Yogi Berra once said, “I really didn’t say everything I said.” Turns out he’s not the only one. False or misattributed quotations happen all too frequently—especially on the internet. It’s very easy for these falsities to happen online. If an image, like a meme or an infographic, looks authentic enough, an incorrect quote from Morgan Freeman can be treated as fact and make its way into public consciousness.
A recent example of this phenomenon can be seen on the US Postal Service’s limited edition Maya Angelou commemorative stamp. The stamp includes a famous quote of Angelou’s—one that she never actually said. In fact, it was the same misattribution that President Obama used in an address in 2013. The quote in question (“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”) really came from author Joan Walsh Anglund, though Angelou often recited it. Dozens of writers and public speakers have fallen victim to this trend, and it seems impossible to avoid.
It’s not always as simple as running an online search, especially in the era of Tumblr. Fact–checking is especially difficult on the popular blogging website, as an original post is nearly impossible to find due to the website’s design. A certain quote from popular young adult author John Green was making the rounds for a while. Turns out the quote (“I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to and people I’ve never met.”) belonged to a 13–year–old blogger! Fortunately, John Green caught on and set the record straight. As he says, “We do an epically bad job of acknowledging one another’s work and checking our sources.”
The calibration of quotes to fit bumper stickers or coffee mugs is a similarly common trend. Brian Morton, writer for the New York Times, recalls seeing a mug with the phrase, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” The actual quote comes from Thoreau’s Walden: “. . . if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Of the edits, Morton notes, “I suppose that the people responsible for the coffee mug would say that they’d merely tweaked the wording of the original a little. But in the tweaking, not only was the syntax lost, but the subtlety as well.” It’s more difficult to prove these kinds of quotes incorrect, as the speaker has said at least part of it. It’s a frustrating development for sure.
In the end, it’s important to remember how easily the truth can get lost on the World Wide Web. My advice would be to take quotations from famous people that you see online with a grain of salt.
Did You Know?
Falsified quotes are nothing new. Voltaire’s biographer, Evelyn Beatrice Hall, in 1903 invented the saying that Voltaire became famous for, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
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