Is there any truth to the whole "it'll grow in thicker" wive's tale?

I've got a fair bit of hair on my upper lip, and some hair coming in on my chin. I'm somewhat trying to grow a beard, but I don't want to start over unless there's actually a benefit to shaving. I've heard that "shaving stimulates follicle growth", but I'm not sure how true that actually is. Is there any truth to this, and if there is why?