The lie is a condition of life.

The lie is a condition of life.

Dare to be true: nothing can need a lie;
A fault which needs it most, grows two thereby.

Dare to be true: nothing can need a lie;
A fault which needs it most, grows two thereby.

All men are born truthful and die liars.

All men are born truthful and die liars.

I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
I said in my haste, All men are liars.

I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
I said in my haste, All men are liars.

Some truth there was, but dash'd and brew'd with lies,
To please the fools, and puzzle all the wise.

Some truth there was, but dash'd and brew'd with lies,
To please the fools, and puzzle all the wise.

And, after all, what is a lie? 'Tis but
The truth in masquerade.

And, after all, what is a lie? 'Tis but
The truth in masquerade.

You can best reward a liar by believing nothing of what he says.

You can best reward a liar by believing nothing of what he says.

When I err every one can see it, but not when I lie.
[Ger., Wenn ich irre kann es read more

When I err every one can see it, but not when I lie.
[Ger., Wenn ich irre kann es jeder bemerken; wenn ich luge,
nicht.]

The truth that survives is simply the lie that is pleasantest to believe.

The truth that survives is simply the lie that is pleasantest to believe.