Nothing is rarer than a solitary lie; for lies breed like…
“Nothing is rarer than a solitary lie; for lies breed like Surinam toads; you cannot tell one but out it comes with a hundred young ones on its back.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A single lie spreads quickly, multiplying into many falsehoods that are hard to control.
In simple terms: One lie creates many lies.
Key Takeaway
Beware the ripple effect of deceit.
Themes
honesty
trust
consequences
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political discourse
- media reporting
- legal testimony
Key Concepts
Moral decay
social contagion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you stop a lie from spreading?
- What are the costs of unchecked falsehoods?
A Different Perspective
Even a small lie can snowball into larger deception.