What does this saying mean; "Don't trust everything you see even salt looks like sugar"?

The saying "Don't trust everything you see, even salt looks like sugar" is a metaphorical warning about the importance of critical thinking and verification. Here are the key points it conveys:

Appearance vs. Reality

The phrase uses the example of salt and sugar, which can appear similar in texture and color, to illustrate that things are not always as they seem. Just as you cannot determine whether something is salt or sugar by appearance alone, you cannot always trust what you see or read at face value4.

Need for Verification

It emphasizes the need to verify information through other means, such as taste in the case of salt and sugar, or through additional research and critical thinking in other contexts. This is particularly relevant in today's digital age, where misinformation and disinformation are prevalent15.

Critical Thinking

The saying encourages people to be cautious and not to accept information without questioning or verifying it. It promotes a mindset of skepticism and the use of critical thinking skills to distinguish between what is true and what is false25.

In essence, the phrase is advising people to be vigilant and not to trust everything they see or read, as appearances can be deceiving, and truth often requires deeper investigation.