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About this quote

What does it mean?
Speaking the truth can hurt; being forced to lie is far worse.
In plain terms
Truth-telling may be painful, but lying is worse.
What can you take from it?
Honesty, though hard, is preferable to deceit.

Where it applies

  • workplace dilemmas
  • personal relationships

Putting it to work

  • choose honesty
  • avoid forced deception

Questions to consider

  • When is lying justified?
  • Can truth ever be harmful?

Another view

Sometimes lies protect others from harm.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. How else but through a broken heart May Lord Christ enter in?

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  2. A thing is, according to the mode in which one looks at it.

    Permalink to quote #217
  3. And all, but Lust, is turned to dust In Humanity's machine.

    Permalink to quote #214

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