Friendship Quote by E.M. Forster
““There is no harm in deceiving society as long as she does not find you out, because it is only when she finds you out that you have harmed her; she is not like a friend or God, who are injured by the mere existence of unfaithfulness.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Passage to India, 1924
Deception is tolerable until discovered; then it causes real damage because trust is broken.
In simple terms: Lying is okay until caught; then it hurts.
Key Takeaway
Avoid deceit; value honesty.
Themes
trust
deception
relationships
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- politics
- personal relationships
- business dealings
Key Concepts
ethical integrity
social contracts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justified to hide truth?
- How does hidden deceit affect community trust?
A Different Perspective
Deception may seem harmless but erodes long‑term credibility.
