"Platitude: an idea (a) that is admitted to be true by everyone, and (b) that is not true"

A platitude is an idea that is extensively accepted as real, but is really false. H. L. Mencken's quote highlights the threat of platitudes, as they can be accepted as true with no vital thought or evaluation. Platitudes can be hazardous because they can result in a false complacency and can prevent individuals from questioning the status quo. Platitudes can likewise be utilized to control people into believing something that is not true. For instance, political leaders may utilize platitudes to get support for their policies without providing any evidence to support their claims. Platitudes can also be utilized to justify overbearing systems or to prevent individuals from challenging the status quo. Ultimately, platitudes can be hazardous since they can result in an incorrect sense of security and can prevent people from questioning the status quo.