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Well." Wolfe was judicious. "You were not under oath. The…

“Well." Wolfe was judicious. "You were not under oath. The police have been lied to informally many times by many people, including me. The right to lie in the service of your own interests is highly valued and frequently exercised.” quote by Rex Stout
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““Well." Wolfe was judicious. "You were not under oath. The police have been lied to informally many times by many people, including me. The right to lie in the service of your own interests is highly valued and frequently exercised.””

Rex Stout

About This Quote

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

The quote highlights that lying is often tolerated when it serves personal interests, especially in informal contexts like police investigations.

In simple terms: People often accept lies if they benefit them.

Key Takeaway

Question the ethics of lying for self‑interest.

Themes

ethics truth law enforcement

Mood

cynical critical

Type

philosophical commentary

When to use this quote

  • legal investigations
  • political negotiations
  • personal relationships
  • media reporting

Key Concepts

self‑interest deception informal communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is lying ever justified for personal gain?
  • How does informal lying affect institutional trust?
A Different Perspective

Lying can erode trust and cause long‑term harm.

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