Wikiquote lists this motivational saying as disputed and reports no source in Whitman’s writings. We have not established its original author; resemblance to a writer’s outlook does not authenticate a sentence.
“Be curious, not judgmental” — Often credited to Walt Whitman, without a supporting source; original author unknown.
Can you use it?
? We couldn’t establish where this was first published, so there’s no rights status to give. Credit it as shown above — just don’t present it as public domain, and get permission for commercial or published reuse.
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In context
Evoking the world of Walt Whitman — American poet and journalist. Theme: "Be curious, not judgmental". Atmospheric and restrained, cinematic directional light, a muted period-appropriate palette, fine grain and texture. Compose with generous empty space for the quote and a small credit line. No lettering in the image itself.
Minimalist
Minimalist editorial slide for the quote "Be curious, not judgmental". Clean background, a single muted accent color, generous negative space, subtle paper or linen texture, no literal illustration — let the words carry it. Reserve clear space for a serif quote and a small credit line. No lettering in the image itself.
Provenance
The source
Evidence
No source in Whitman established
Verdict
Disputed
Be curious, not judgmental
Short identifying wording under investigation; not a claim that a primary original was inspected.
Wikiquote lists this motivational saying as disputed and reports no source in Whitman’s writings. We have not established its original author; resemblance to a writer’s outlook does not authenticate a sentence. Wikiquote: disputed saying ↗
The biography supplies background, not proof of this exact wording. About Walt Whitman ↗
The exact originating work or wording is unresolved. No public-domain clearance is asserted.
Rights status is our research, not legal advice — and copyright varies by country and edition. For commercial or published use, confirm with the rightsholder. See terms.
Fact-check
Often misattributed
The familiar credit needs this qualification.
✕
Incorrectly attributed to Walt Whitman Unconfirmed
Wikiquote lists this motivational saying as disputed and reports no source in Whitman’s writings. We have not established its original author; resemblance to a writer’s outlook does not authenticate a sentence. Wikiquote: disputed saying ↗
✓Wikiquote lists this motivational saying as disputed and reports no source in Whitman’s writings. We have not established its original author; resemblance to a writer’s outlook does not authenticate a sentence. Wikiquote: disputed saying ↗
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Filed under
More provenance-checked quotes on the same theme, each with its reuse status.