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And I remember in frequent discourses with my master…

“And I remember in frequent discourses with my master concerning the nature of manhood, in other parts of the world, having occasion to talk of lying and false representation… For he argued thus; that the use of speech was to make us understand one another, and to receive information of facts; now…” quote by Jonathan Swift
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““And I remember in frequent discourses with my master concerning the nature of manhood, in other parts of the world, having occasion to talk of lying and false representation… For he argued thus; that the use of speech was to make us understand one another, and to receive information of facts; now if any one said the thing which was not, these ends were defeated… …he leaves me worse than in ignorance, for I am led to believe a thing black when it is white, and short when it is long.””

Jonathan Swift

About This Quote

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

Speech can convey truth or deception; when false, it misleads and deepens ignorance.

In simple terms: False speech misleads and creates confusion.

Key Takeaway

Seek clarity and verify information.

Themes

communication truth misinformation

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • debates
  • education
  • media consumption

Key Concepts

epistemology honesty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you verify what you hear?
  • What are the costs of believing falsehoods?
A Different Perspective

Truth can be obscured by persuasive language.

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