" Biographies of me have usually been compiled from old newspaper clips, untruthful publicity stories, and reminiscences of people who claim to have known me well. "
- Shirley Temple

The quote touches upon the idea that biographies about a person are often constructed using sources such as old newspaper articles, promotional stories meant to paint an individual in a positive light, and recollections from people who claim to have had close relationships with them. This suggests that these types of sources may not always provide a complete or accurate portrayal of someone's life.

Shirley Temple's statement delves into the complexities surrounding personal narratives and their authenticity. It highlights how the accounts used to compile biographies can be biased or incomplete, as they might come from individuals who have their own perspectives and agendas, which can distort the truth about an individual's experiences and achievements. Furthermore, this quote also brings attention to the challenge of maintaining one’s true identity in public life when faced with media scrutiny and the influence of others' perceptions.

Shirley Temple, a celebrated child actress known for her roles in films during the 1930s, made significant contributions to American entertainment culture. Her statement reflects on the nature of fame and how it can sometimes lead to an inaccurate portrayal of one's life story when relayed through various media channels or personal anecdotes from others.