On Inaccuracy by Hilaire Belloc
The work is a satirical essay that critiques the tendency of people to believe and repeat inaccuracies, often due to a lack of critical thinking or a desire for social acceptance. It argues that this phenomenon can have serious consequences, including the spread of misinformation and the erosion of trust in institutions. The author uses humor and irony to make his point, highlighting the absurdity of accepting false information as true.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1906 · Genre: Essay, Philosophy, Humor · 1,746 words
First lines
The other day I was writing in other fields than these, ploughing another land (to which, for the honour I bear it, I again give no name), and I had occasion to speak about the Nereids who swim about in the sea. I very pompously announced their appearance in the Sixteenth Book of the Iliad. I should have said the Eighteenth Book.
Why did I say the Sixteenth Book? I cannot tell. I have awaited, since the appearance of that article, letters written to me privately, written to the paper itself, written to other papers, all saying: "Why do you talk about things you know nothing of? You call it the Sixteenth Book; it is the Eighteenth Book."
What this Textopian page supports
On Inaccuracy is listed on Textopian as an essay by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Philosophy, Humor, Non-fiction, Literary Criticism
- Length: 1,746 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On Inaccuracy by Hilaire Belloc
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering On Inaccuracy?
- How does this essay by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Essay first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Rise Of Historical Criticism by Oscar Wilde
- On The Decay Of The Art Of Lying by Mark Twain
- The Perverseness Of Words by Egerton Castle
- But I Dont Think by Randall Garrett
- Mr Chesterton And The Soliloquy by Oliver Herford
- Shakespeare And Christmas by Max Beerbohm
Genres
- Essay — The work is a reflective and analytical piece exploring the concept of inaccuracy, its causes, and its effects.
- Philosophy — The text delves into philosophical questions about human error, perception, and the nature of truth.
- Humor — The writing style includes wit and humor, particularly in the anecdotes and observations about human fallibility.
- Non-fiction — The work is a factual exploration of a concept rather than a fictional narrative.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Philosophy · Critique · Humor · Irony · Sarcasm · Rhetoric · Literary Theory · Cultural Analysis · Intellectual History · Epistemology