It’s not enough to be able to lie with a straight face…
“It’s not enough to be able to lie with a straight face; anybody with enough gall to raise on a busted flush can do that. The first way to lie artistically is to tell the truth — but not all of it. The second way involves telling the truth, too, but is harder: Tell the exact truth and maybe all of it…but tell it so unconvincingly that your listener is sure you are lying.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Lying can be artistic by presenting partial truth or delivering full truth in a way that seems deceptive.
In simple terms: Artful deception uses truth creatively.
Key Takeaway
Use truth strategically to influence perception.
Themes
deception
truth
communication
artistry
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- political speech
- advertising
- personal negotiations
- storytelling
- media criticism
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you used partial truth to protect someone?
- How does presenting truth unconvincingly affect credibility?
A Different Perspective
Risk of eroding trust if overused.