A lie is troublesome, and sets a man's invention upon the…
“A lie is troublesome, and sets a man's invention upon the rack, and one trick needs a great many more to make it good.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Deception creates complications, requiring increasingly elaborate lies to maintain the falsehood.
In simple terms: Lies breed more lies.
Key Takeaway
Avoid lying to prevent tangled consequences.
Themes
honesty
integrity
consequences
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- business negotiations
- politics
- media
Key Concepts
deception
complexity
trust
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you faced a lie that spiraled?
- What benefits come from transparency?
A Different Perspective
Truthfulness can be costly in the short term.