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To lie a little is not possible: he who lies, lies the…

“To lie a little is not possible: he who lies, lies the whole lie.” quote by Victor Hugo
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“To lie a little is not possible: he who lies, lies the whole lie.”

Victor Hugo

About This Quote

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

Partial falsehoods undermine truth, as any lie contaminates the whole narrative.

In simple terms: Even a small lie damages the whole truth.

Key Takeaway

Strive for complete honesty.

Themes

truth ethics communication

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • journalism
  • legal testimony
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

philosophical integrity

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is a lie justified?
  • How can we balance truth with compassion?
A Different Perspective

Sometimes truth is complex; absolute honesty may be impractical.

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