Again, truth should be highly valued; if, as we were saying, a lie is useless to the gods, and useful only as a medicine to men, then the use of such medicines should be restricted to physicians; private individuals have no business with them.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Lying is generally not useful, even to gods. If it has value, it should only be used by experts like doctors as medicine.
- In plain terms
- Don't lie unless you are an expert using it like medicine.
- What can you take from it?
- Reserve deception for necessary, controlled situations only.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is a lie acceptable?
- Should truth always be valued?
Another view
Private individuals might need small lies to protect feelings.
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