It is best, if possible, to deceive no one; for he that…
“It is best, if possible, to deceive no one; for he that ... begins by deceiving others, will end ... by deceiving himself.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Deceiving others leads to self‑deception; honesty preserves integrity and self‑respect.
In simple terms: Lying to others harms yourself.
Key Takeaway
Practice honesty in all dealings.
Themes
integrity
self‑deception
ethics
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- business
- personal relationships
- politics
Key Concepts
philosophy
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- When is truth hardest to tell?
- How does self‑deception affect decisions?
A Different Perspective
Honesty may be socially costly.