A lie is a very short wick in a very small lamp. The oil…
“A lie is a very short wick in a very small lamp. The oil of reputation is very soon sucked up and gone. And just as soon as a man is known to lie, he is like a two-foot pump in a hundred-foot well. He cannot touch bottom at all.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A lie quickly damages reputation, likening it to a short wick that burns out, preventing one from reaching depth or trust.
In simple terms: Lying erodes trust and limits depth.
Key Takeaway
Guard your honesty.
Themes
ethics
reputation
trust
integrity
consequences
metaphor
Mood
cautionary
thoughtful
serious
Type
moral lesson
aphorical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- public speaking
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
moral decay
social capital
credibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a single lie affect long‑term trust?
- Can reputation be fully restored after deceit?
A Different Perspective
Even small lies can accumulate, making full redemption hard.