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About this quote

What does it mean?
Small lies can grow into large deceptions over time.
In plain terms
Even a small untruth can become a big problem later.
What can you take from it?
Stay truthful from the start to avoid bigger issues.

Where it applies

  • personal relationships
  • professional conduct
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • verify facts before speaking
  • admit small errors early

Questions to consider

  • How do you define a small lie?
  • When does a lie become unforgivable?

Another view

Sometimes minor lies are harmless if no one is harmed.

More from Aristotle

  1. The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.

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  2. The moral virtues, then, are produced in us neither by nature nor against nature. Nature, indeed, prepares in us the ground for their reception, but their comp…

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  3. The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other persons.

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