An excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- An excuse is worse than a lie because it hides the lie. It adds deception to dishonesty.
- In plain terms
- Excuses are worse than lies because they try to hide the truth.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid making excuses as they hide the truth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is an excuse ever honest?
- When should you explain instead of excusing?
Another view
Sometimes context is needed to explain mistakes, not just confess.
More from John Paul II (Pope)
I hope to have communion with the people, that is the most important thing.
Permalink to quote #66 God endowed [the human race] with capacity to attain to the inaccessible and invisible Supreme Good and behold it face to face.
Permalink to quote #68 I have a sweet tooth for song and music. This is my Polish sin.
Permalink to quote #65
Related quotes
Let us not foist this humbug on the world.
Hartley ShawcrossHartley Shawcross quote #3 El encarecer es ramo de mentir.
Baltasar GracianBaltasar Gracian quote #4 Truth does not need to borrow garments from error. (Also translated as: Truth does not need to borrow garments from falsehood.)
Jose RizalJose Rizal quote #37