Inspirational Quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky
““You think it’s because they’re lying? Nonsense! I like it when people lie! Lying is man’s only privilege over all other organisms. If you lie--you get to the truth! Lying is what makes me a man. Not one truth has ever been reached without first lying fourteen times or so, maybe a hundred and fourteen, and that’s honorable in its way; well, but we can’t even lie with our own minds! Lie to me, but in your own way, and I’ll kiss you for it. Lying in one’s own way is almost better than telling the truth in someone else’s way; in the first case you’re a man, and in the second—no better than a bird! The truth won’t go away, but life can be nailed shut; there are examples. Well, so where are we all now? With regard to science, development, thought, invention, ideals, aspirations, liberalism, reason, experience, and everything, everything, everything, we’re all, without exception, still sitting in the first grade! We like getting by on other people’s reason--we’ve acquired a taste for it! Right? Am I right?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Brothers Karamazov, 1880
The speaker argues that lying is a uniquely human tool that can reveal deeper truths, while truth alone is insufficient for understanding.
In simple terms: Lying can uncover truth; truth alone may be limited.
Embrace questioning and critical thinking.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- debates
- personal relationships
- scientific inquiry
- political discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is deception ever justified for progress?
- How does reliance on others’ reasoning limit growth?
Lying can erode trust and lead to manipulation.