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Woe to falsehood! it affords no relief to the breast, like…

“Woe to falsehood! it affords no relief to the breast, like truth; it gives us no comfort, pains him who forges it, and like an arrow directed by a god flies back and wounds the archer.” quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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“Woe to falsehood! it affords no relief to the breast, like truth; it gives us no comfort, pains him who forges it, and like an arrow directed by a god flies back and wounds the archer.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

About This Quote

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

Falsehood offers no comfort; truth may hurt, but lies return to harm the liar.

In simple terms: Lies harm the liar; truth may be painful.

Key Takeaway

Choose honesty despite discomfort.

Themes

truth deception consequence ethics psychology

Mood

cautionary serious

Type

ethical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • legal testimony
  • public speaking
  • writing

Key Concepts

moral philosophy self‑deception karma

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we sometimes prefer lies?
  • How does truth affect personal peace?
A Different Perspective

Truth can be socially costly.

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