Very occasionally, very vaguely, English schoolboys are…
““Very occasionally, very vaguely, English schoolboys are told not to tell lies, which is a totally different thing. I may silently support all the obscene fictions and forgeries in the universe, without once telling a lie. I may wear another man's coat, steal another man's wit, apostatize to another man's creed, or poison another man's coffee, all without ever telling a lie. But no English school-boy is ever taught to tell the truth, for the very simple reason that he is never taught to desire the truth.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Truth is rarely taught as a virtue; people learn to avoid lying but not to seek truth.
In simple terms: People are taught not to lie, not to value truth.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate a desire for truth, not just honesty.
Themes
education
truth
morality
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- schooling
- journalism
- political discourse
- personal integrity
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value truth more than avoiding falsehood?
- How does society reward honesty versus truth?
A Different Perspective
Truth seeking can be uncomfortable and socially risky.