“ Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well. ”
Samuel Butler, The Note-Books of Samuel Butler (1912). copy citation
| Author | Samuel Butler |
|---|---|
| Source | The Note-Books of Samuel Butler |
| Topic | truth lie |
| Date | 1912 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6173/6173-h/6173-h.htm |
Context
“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.
vi
Cursed is he that does not know when to shut his mind.”
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