Every life is its own excuse for being, and to deny or…
“Every life is its own excuse for being, and to deny or refute the untrue things that are said of you is an error in judgment. All wrong recoils upon the doer, and the person who makes wrong statements about others is themselves to be pitied, not the person they vilify. It is better to be lied about than to lie. At the last no one can harm us but ourselves.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People should accept responsibility for their own reputations; blaming others is misguided, and being falsely accused is preferable to being a liar.
In simple terms: Own your reputation; avoid blaming others.
Key Takeaway
Choose honesty over deceit.
Themes
responsibility
reputation
honesty
self‑reflection
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- workplace conflicts
- public criticism
- personal relationships
- online discourse
Key Concepts
personal integrity
ethical behavior
accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it better to defend a false accusation?
- How does self‑blame affect growth?
A Different Perspective
Truth may still cause personal pain; some may exploit honesty.