The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd; indeed in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widespread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible.
Humor is always based on a modicum of truth. Have you ever heard a joke about a father-in-law?
The engine died and then the doors swung open.
This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer.
The dead might as well try to speak to the living as the old to the young.
If you think you can win, you can win. Faith is necessary to victory.
The better part of valor is discretion, in the which better part I have saved my life.