I admit I distorted intelligence to please Stalin because I feared him.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker admits to lying about intelligence to avoid angering a leader.
- In plain terms
- I lied to please a boss because I was scared.
- What can you take from it?
- Fear of authority can lead people to compromise truth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have fear stopped you from speaking truth?
- How do you handle pressure from superiors?
Another view
Admitting fault does not undo the harm caused by the lie.
More from Filipp Golikov
There are also many instances where people hostile to the Soviet state are attempting by means of deceit and provocation to poison the minds of our citizens an…
Permalink to quote #1 We still have many shortcomings and failures to fulfill the Party's demands, especially as regards the liquidation in some of our people of survivals of the ac…
Permalink to quote #3 Golikov was a perfect choice. While he himself likely saw Stalin as a guardian angel, Stalin surely saw in him an individual on whom he could rely completely.
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
Who speaks the truth stabs Falsehood to the heart.
James Russell LowellJames Russell Lowell quote #2 If people would know how little brain is ruling the world, they would die of fear.
Ivo AndricIvo Andric quote #2 To tell the truth is revolutionary.
Antonio GramsciAntonio Gramsci quote #10