Greater Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“I do myself a greater injury in lying than I do him of whom I tell a lie.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays, Book I, 1580
Lying harms the liar more than the person being deceived because it corrupts one’s integrity and peace of mind.
In simple terms: Lies damage the liar’s soul more than the victim’s.
Key Takeaway
Guard your truth to protect yourself.
Themes
integrity
honesty
self‑respect
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- legal testimony
- leadership
- daily interactions
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What lies have you told that still trouble you?
- How does honesty affect your self‑esteem?
A Different Perspective
Even a small lie can erode trust over time, making honesty harder to restore.
