When one fib becomes due as it were, you must forge…
“When one fib becomes due as it were, you must forge another to take up the old acceptance; and so the stock of your lies in circulation inevitably multiplies, and the danger of detection increases every day.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage warns that once a lie is told, it creates pressure to tell more lies to cover it up, leading to a growing web of deception that becomes increasingly risky.
In simple terms: Lies compound and become harder to hide.
Key Takeaway
Deception breeds more deception.
Themes
Integrity
Consequences
Psychology
Risk Management
Trust
Mood
Cautionary
Reflective
Serious
Type
Proverbial
Philosophical
When to use this quote
- Personal relationships
- Workplace politics
- Political scandals
- Legal testimony
- Online misinformation
Key Concepts
Self-deception
Cognitive Dissonance
Social Pressure
Escalation
Practical Applications
- Ethics training
- Crisis communication planning
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms can prevent a lie from spiraling?
- How does fear of exposure influence decision‑making?
A Different Perspective
A single truth can sometimes be more strategic than a lie, especially when transparency builds credibility.