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To lie is vile, to tell truth is excellent, if not noble.

“To lie is vile, to tell truth is excellent, if not noble.” quote by Leonardo da Vinci
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“To lie is vile, to tell truth is excellent, if not noble.”

Leonardo da Vinci

About This Quote

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

Moral choice is framed as a stark contrast: deceit is corrupt, honesty is virtuous and noble.

In simple terms: Lying is bad, truth is good and noble.

Key Takeaway

Choose honesty over deceit.

Themes

ethics integrity character

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • business negotiations
  • leadership decisions

Key Concepts

moral philosophy virtue ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you faced a choice between truth and self‑interest?
  • What consequences did honesty bring?
A Different Perspective

Truth may be costly or risky in some contexts.

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