The moment a man talks to his fellows he begins to lie.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Communication inherently involves deception or at least some level of dishonesty.
- In plain terms
- Talking to others often means you will not tell the whole truth.
- What can you take from it?
- Expect some deceit in social interaction.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have you been lied to in conversation?
- Is some deception necessary for social harmony?
Another view
Not every conversation involves lying; many are honest exchanges.
More from Hilaire Belloc
Statistics are the triumph of the quantitative method, and the quantitative method is the victory of sterility and death.
Permalink to quote #13 The Microbe is so very small You cannot make him out at all, But many sanguine people hope To see him through a microscope.
Permalink to quote #15 All men have an instinct for conflict: at least, all healthy men.
Permalink to quote #12
Related quotes
Un menteur est toujours prodigue de serments.
Pierre CorneillePierre Corneille quote #50 The liar's punishment is, not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe any one else.
George Bernard ShawGeorge Bernard Shaw quote #1 Please don't lie to me, unless you're absolutely sure I'll never find out the truth.
Ashleigh BrilliantAshleigh Brilliant quote #1