The child who defines a lie as being a "naughty word"…
“The child who defines a lie as being a "naughty word" knows perfectly well that lying consists in not speaking the truth. He is not, therefore, mistaking one thing for another, he is simply identifying them one with another by what seems to us a quaint extension of the word "lie".”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Children understand lying as a deliberate falsehood, not a mere mislabeling, recognizing the act of substituting truth with falsehood.
In simple terms: Children see lying as intentional falsehood.
Key Takeaway
Teach honesty early.
Themes
development
truth
morality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- discipline
Key Concepts
cognitive development
ethical reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do children lie?
- How can we model truthfulness?
A Different Perspective
Children may still lie for self‑interest.