This is the secret of good storytelling: to lie, but to…
““This is the secret of good storytelling: to lie, but to keep the arithmetic sound. A storyteller, like any other sort of enthusiastic liar, is on an unpredictable adventure. His initial lie, his premise, will suggest many new lies of its own. The storyteller must choose among them, seeking those which are most believable, which keep the arithmetic sound. Thus does a story generate itself.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Good storytelling requires a believable framework; lies must follow logical consistency to keep the audience engaged.
In simple terms: Stories need logical consistency despite fiction.
Key Takeaway
Maintain internal logic in narratives.
Themes
storytelling
truth
logic
creativity
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
creative
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- novel drafting
- screenplay development
- creative brainstorming
Key Concepts
narrative structure
believability
fictional truth
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test a story's internal logic?
- What lies enhance rather than break believability?
A Different Perspective
Complex plots can become incoherent if logic fails.