“ 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. ”
Samuel Butler, The Note-Books of Samuel Butler (1912). copy citation
| Author | Samuel Butler |
|---|---|
| Source | The Note-Books of Samuel Butler |
| Topic | friendship forgetting memory |
| Date | 1912 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6173/6173-h/6173-h.htm |
Context
“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. An open mind is all very well in its way, but it ought not to be so open that there is no keeping anything in or out of it. It should be capable of shutting its doors sometimes, or it may be found a little draughty.” source
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. An open mind is all very well in its way, but it ought not to be so open that there is no keeping anything in or out of it. It should be capable of shutting its doors sometimes, or it may be found a little draughty.” source
Meaning and analysis
