Some quotes are so famous that we assume they are true without question. They appear in books, films, and speeches, becoming part of our cultural memory. Yet many of these so-called historical quotes were either never said, misattributed, or altered over time. In some cases, the words were invented long after the events, while in others, they were simplified to make them more dramatic. Misquotes can change how we see historical figures and moments. Here are nine widely repeated quotes that are either inaccurate or entirely fictional, along with the truth behind them.
1. “Let Them Eat Cake” – Marie Antoinette
This phrase is often cited as proof of Marie Antoinette’s arrogance toward the poor during the French Revolution, but historians agree she never said it. The quote appears in Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s writings, attributed to an unnamed “great princess” when Marie Antoinette was just a child. The likely purpose was to criticize the wealthy in general, not her specifically. Over time, the line became linked to her name, reinforcing her image as heartless. In reality, there is no historical record of her making such a remark, and some evidence suggests she was sympathetic to the struggles of the poor.
2. “The British Are Coming!” – Paul Revere
American schoolchildren often learn that Paul Revere rode through the night shouting, “The British are coming!” during the Revolutionary War. In truth, this is highly unlikely. Most colonists still considered themselves British at the time, so the phrase would have been confusing. Revere more likely warned that “the Regulars are out” or “the Redcoats are coming.” Furthermore, his mission was meant to be discreet to avoid alerting British patrols, so shouting loudly would have been risky. The dramatic version of this quote was popularized much later, especially by poets and historians seeking a more heroic narrative.
3. “Elementary, My Dear Watson” – Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes is one of literature’s most quoted characters, but he never actually said, “Elementary, my dear Watson” in any of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories. Holmes does say “elementary” and addresses Watson frequently, but the exact phrase appears to have been invented in early film adaptations in the 1920s. Over time, it became a shorthand way to capture Holmes’s personality and deductive style, even though it is not canonical. This is a prime example of how pop culture can reshape a character’s voice in the public imagination.
4. “I Disapprove of What You Say, But I Will Defend to the Death Your Right to Say It” – Voltaire
This famous defense of free speech is often attributed to Voltaire, but he never wrote or said it. The line actually comes from a 1906 book by Evelyn Beatrice Hall, who used it to summarize Voltaire’s beliefs, not quote him directly. Hall was a biographer, and her paraphrase was meant to capture his stance on tolerance and expression. Unfortunately, later readers took it as a literal quote, and it has been repeated as such ever since. While the sentiment aligns with Voltaire’s philosophy, it is technically a modern invention.
5. “Houston, We Have a Problem” – Apollo 13
The real line spoken by astronaut Jack Swigert during the Apollo 13 mission was “Okay, Houston, we’ve had a problem here.” Commander Jim Lovell repeated it moments later. The misquote “Houston, we have a problem” emerged later, largely because it sounds more dramatic and works better in storytelling. The altered version became iconic after being used in the 1995 film Apollo 13. While the change is small, it shifts the timing and tone from a past-tense statement to a present-tense moment of crisis, making it more suspenseful for audiences.
6. “Money Is the Root of All Evil” – The Bible
Many people believe the Bible states that “money is the root of all evil,” but the actual verse from 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” The difference is significant. The original meaning warns against greed and placing wealth above moral values, not condemning money itself. Over time, the shortened version became common in everyday speech, perhaps because it is simpler and more absolute. This misquote changes the nuance of the original message and can lead to misunderstandings about the biblical teaching.
7. “Beam Me Up, Scotty” – Star Trek
Fans of Star Trek often quote Captain Kirk as saying, “Beam me up, Scotty,” but William Shatner’s character never actually used that exact phrase in the original series. Variations like “Beam us up, Mr. Scott” or “Scotty, beam me up” were said, but not the precise wording that became famous. The streamlined version likely caught on because it is catchy and easy to remember. Over time, it has become a pop culture staple, representing quick escapes and futuristic travel, even for people who have never watched the show.
8. “The Ends Justify the Means” – Machiavelli
This phrase is often attributed to Niccolò Machiavelli as a summary of his political philosophy, but he never wrote it in that form. The idea is loosely connected to discussions in his work “The Prince,” where he argues that rulers may need to act immorally for stability. However, the specific wording comes from later interpretations and oversimplifications. By condensing a complex argument into a short phrase, it can misrepresent Machiavelli’s nuanced views. As a result, the misquote is often used to portray him as more ruthless than his actual writings suggest.
9. “Play It Again, Sam” – Casablanca
In the classic 1942 film Casablanca, the line “Play it again, Sam” is never spoken. The closest lines are “Play it once, Sam, for old times’ sake” and later “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.’” The incorrect version likely emerged as an easy-to-remember paraphrase and was reinforced by pop culture references. Over time, it became so widely repeated that many people believe it is an actual line from the film. This is a reminder that even recent history can be reshaped by repetition and simplification.