Advantage Quote by Georg C. Lichtenberg
“If it were true what in the end would be gained Nothing but another truth. Is this such a mighty advantage We have enough old truths still to digest, and even these we would be quite unable to endure if we did not sometimes flavor them with lies.”
About This Quote
Truth alone can be harsh; adding falsehoods can make it more palatable, but reliance on lies hinders true understanding.
In simple terms: Truth can be hard; lies sometimes soften it.
Key Takeaway
Balance truth with compassion, avoid unnecessary falsehoods.
Themes
truth
deception
philosophy
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- education
- political discourse
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
epistemology
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to soften truth?
- How do lies affect long‑term knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on lies erodes trust.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
