Skip to content

The prevarication and white lies which a mind that keeps…

“The prevarication and white lies which a mind that keeps itself ambitiously pure is as uneasy under as a great artist under the false touches that no eye detects but his own, are worn as lightly as mere trimming when once the actions have become a lie.” quote by George Eliot
Download Open image
““The prevarication and white lies which a mind that keeps itself ambitiously pure is as uneasy under as a great artist under the false touches that no eye detects but his own, are worn as lightly as mere trimming when once the actions have become a lie.””

George Eliot

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A mind striving for perfect purity becomes fragile, like an artist whose unnoticed flaws are barely trimmed, once actions turn deceitful.

In simple terms: Pure intentions become fragile when actions become lies.

Key Takeaway

Guard honesty to keep integrity.

Themes

integrity art truth self‑deception

Mood

reflective serious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • creative work
  • leadership
  • ethical decision‑making

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do small untruths affect your self‑image?
  • What steps can you take to maintain honesty?
A Different Perspective

Even pure intentions can be corrupted by small lies, eroding trust.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by George Eliot

Explore all 1,492 George Eliot quotes

More Action quotes

Browse all 14,940 Action quotes