“ if a man is not a good, sound, honest, capable liar there is no truth in him. ”
Samuel Butler, The Note-Books of Samuel Butler (1912). copy citation
| Author | Samuel Butler |
|---|---|
| Source | The Note-Books of Samuel Butler |
| Topic | truth good |
| Date | 1912 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6173/6173-h/6173-h.htm |
Context
“Lying is like borrowing or appropriating in music. It is only a good, sound, truthful person who can lie to any good purpose; if a man is not habitually truthful his very lies will be false to him and betray him. The converse also is true; if a man is not a good, sound, honest, capable liar there is no truth in him.
iii
Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well.
iv
I do not mind lying, but I hate inaccuracy.
v
A friend who cannot at a pinch remember a thing or two that never happened is as bad as one who does not know how to forget.”
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