A great lie is like a great fish on dry land; it may fret…
“A great lie is like a great fish on dry land; it may fret and fling and make a frightful bother, but it cannot hurt you. You have only to keep still, and it will die of itself.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A falsehood may cause alarm but cannot harm if ignored; stillness lets it fade.
In simple terms: Ignore lies, stay calm, they’ll die.
Key Takeaway
Stay still, let false claims collapse.
Themes
truth
patience
resilience
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- online rumors
- personal conflict
- media sensationalism
Key Concepts
psychology
social influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain calm when falsehoods spread?
- When is active correction needed?
A Different Perspective
If the lie is reinforced by others, stillness may not suffice.