He thought secrecy a virtue, and dissimulation no vice, and simulation, that is in plain English, a lie, or perfideousness to be a tolerable fault in case of necessity.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The text claims Cromwell considered lying acceptable if it was necessary for a higher goal.
- In plain terms
- Cromwell believed secrecy was good but lying was okay if needed for necessity.
- What can you take from it?
- Ethics in leadership often depend on outcomes.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is lying ever right?
- What is necessity?
Another view
Justifying lies as necessary can erode trust over time.
More from Oliver Cromwell
To give the devil his due, he restored justice, as well distributive as commutative, almost to it's ancient dignity and splendour; the judges without covetousn…
Permalink to quote #60 He was of a sanguine complexion, naturally of such a vivacity, hilarity and alacrity as another man is when he hath drunken a cup too much.
Permalink to quote #62 A perfect master of all the arts of dissimulation: who, turning up the whites of his eyes, and seeking the Lord with pious gestures, will weep and pray, and ca…
Permalink to quote #59
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