Archer Quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“Woe to falsehood! it affords no relief to the breast, like truth; it gives us no comfort, pains him who forges it, and like an arrow directed by a god flies back and wounds the archer.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Faust, 1808
Falsehood offers no comfort; truth may hurt, but lies return to harm the liar.
In simple terms: Lies harm the liar; truth may be painful.
Key Takeaway
Choose honesty despite discomfort.
Themes
truth
deception
consequence
ethics
psychology
Mood
cautionary
serious
Type
ethical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- legal testimony
- public speaking
- writing
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
self‑deception
karma
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we sometimes prefer lies?
- How does truth affect personal peace?
A Different Perspective
Truth can be socially costly.
