When an official declares something false, chances are that it is. When he or she says it is absolutely false, chances are it is true. ... The overemphasis sticks out like Pinocchio's nose.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Clarke satirizes how official denials often contradict reality due to overcompensation.
- In plain terms
- When officials deny something too strongly, it is often actually true.
- What can you take from it?
- Skepticism is healthy when authorities deny things too vehemently.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who do you trust to tell the truth?
- Why do officials lie?
Another view
Sometimes officials are simply correcting genuine misinformation.
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Permalink to quote #68
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