Truth is the only good and the purest pity. ... Men lie…
“Truth is the only good and the purest pity. ... Men lie for profit or for pity. All lies turn to poison, but a lie that is told for pity or shame breeds such a host of ills that no power on earth can compass their redemption.”
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 warns that lies, even those told out of pity, become toxic and cause widespread harm that cannot be easily remedied.
In simple terms: Pity‑based lies spread damage.
Key Takeaway
Avoid lying, even for good reasons.
Themes
truth
ethics
consequences
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political discourse
- legal testimony
Key Concepts
moral decay
trust erosion
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a lie ever be truly harmless?
- How do we balance compassion with honesty?
A Different Perspective
A lie told for pity may still cause harm; intentions matter less than impact.