Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it, so that…
“Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it, so that when men come to be undeceived, it is too late; the jest is over, and the tale hath had its effect.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Truth arrives after falsehood, but often too late, making deception hard to reverse and its impact lasting.
In simple terms: Truth lags behind lies, often too late.
Beware of spreading falsehoods.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- media reporting
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can prevent falsehoods from spreading?
- How can societies recover after deception?
Even after truth appears, damage may already be done.