Telling the truth Quote by Halldór Kiljan Laxness
““Bishop: No verifying! If people tell lies, that's as may be. If they've come up with some credo or other, so much the better! Don't forget that few people are likely to tell more than a small part of the truth: no one tells much of the truth, let alone the whole truth. Spoken words are facts in themselves, whether true or false. When people talk they reveal themselves, whether they're lying or telling the truth. Embi: And if I find them out in a lie? Bishop: Never speak ill of anyone in a report. Remember, any lie you are told, even deliberately, is often a more significant fact than a truth told in all sincerity.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Independent People, 1946
The passage reflects on truth and deception, arguing that lies can reveal deeper facts than honest statements, and that speech itself is a factual act.
In simple terms: Lies can expose hidden truths; speech itself is a fact.
Key Takeaway
Consider the information value of falsehoods.
Themes
truth
deception
communication
ethics
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- personal relationships
- political discourse
- legal testimony
Key Concepts
information theory
social dynamics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do lies shape our perception of reality?
- When does a lie become more informative than a truth?
A Different Perspective
Truth may be obscured by the prevalence of falsehoods.
