Civilization Quote by H. G. Wells
“I am prepared to maintain that Honesty is essentially an anarchistic and disintegrating force in society, that communities are held together and the progress of civilization made possible only by vigorous and sometimes even, violent Lying; that the Social Contract is nothing more or less than a vast conspiracy of human beings to lie and humbug themselves and one another for the general Good.”
About This Quote
Society depends on deception for cohesion, suggesting honesty can be destabilizing.
In simple terms: Lying holds societies together.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the role of strategic falsehoods in social order.
Themes
trust
deception
social contract
philosophy
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- political negotiations
- marketing
- personal relationships
- legal testimony
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
power dynamics
collective illusion
Questions to Reflect On
- When does lying become harmful?
- Can societies thrive on transparency?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on deception can erode genuine trust and moral integrity.
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