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What are the three lies of Harvard?

Author

Emma Newman

Published Mar 19, 2026

What are the three lies of Harvard?

Students call it the “statue of three lies” because the inscription underneath the statue reads “John Harvard, Founder, 1638.” The three lies are: John Harvard didn't found Harvard (he was a benefactor of Harvard, and that's why it was named in his honor). The university was founded in 1636 (not 1638).

Furthermore, what are the three lies?

The phrase derives from the full sentence, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."; it was popularized in the United States by Mark Twain and others, who mistakenly attributed it to the British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli.

Subsequently, question is, who is the statue in Harvard Yard? John Harvard

Keeping this in view, where is the Statue of Three Lies located?

Cambridge

Why do you touch John Harvard's foot?

The John Harvard statue is probably the most touched object in the University. Its left foot is subjected to almost incessant rubbing by tourists who believe that the act brings good luck; the standard pose, for photos, is to place a hand on John Harvard's shoe, which has become shiny from the human contact.

What are the three most common lies?

The three most commonly referred to are lies of commission, lies of omission, and lies of influence, aka character lies.

What lies at the foot of the statue?

"What lies in the shadow of the statue?" Richard's answer in Latin is: "Ille qui nos omnes servabit," ("He who will protect/save us all.") Latin of course brings to mind the Catholic church and the history of Rome.

Do Harvard students pee on statue?

Harvard students do not pee on the statue in spite of its significance. They pee on the statue because of its significance. Urinating on the monument to higher education in America is a bizarre attempt at self-affirmation. It says: "Not only do I go to Harvard, but I spit, nay, pee, on it as well."

Who founded Harvard?

Massachusetts General Court

What is a John Harvard Scholar?

They are called the John Harvard Scholarships Juniors and Sophomores who may be considered "worthy of very high academic distinetion." They will be conferred as a matter of course, without application. John Harvard Fellowships can be granted only to members of the Graduate School, resident or non-resident.

When was Harvard founded?

September 8, 1636, Cambridge, MA

Where did John Harvard go to school?

Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge

What is the mascot of Harvard?

John Harvard, the Pilgrim

What did John Harvard do?

2, 1637, Harvard became a freeman of Charlestown, Massachusetts Bay Colony, where he immediately was recognized as a learned and pious man. He served as assistant pastor of the First Church of Charlestown, and he was appointed a member of the committee to help compile the Body of Liberties.