---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Suppose whether or not someone tells me a…"
description: "\"Suppose whether or not someone tells me a lie depends only on whether he wants to, but he is morally indifferent, he doesn't care much about the truth ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9e/nomy-arpaly-21717_care_suppose-whether-or-not-someone-tells-me_2596631.jpg"
---

#  Suppose whether or not someone tells me a lie depends only…

![“Suppose whether or not someone tells me a lie depends only on whether he wants to, but he is morally indifferent, he doesn't care much about the truth or about me, and his self interest, which he worships, tells him to lie, and so it comes about that given his psychology, it is a forgone…” quote by Nomy Arpaly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9e/nomy-arpaly-21717_care_suppose-whether-or-not-someone-tells-me_2596631.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9e/nomy-arpaly-21717_care_suppose-whether-or-not-someone-tells-me_2596631.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9e/nomy-arpaly-21717_care_suppose-whether-or-not-someone-tells-me_2596631.jpg)

> “Suppose whether or not someone tells me a lie depends only on whether he wants to, but he is morally indifferent, he doesn't care much about the truth or about me, and his self interest, which he worships, tells him to lie, and so it comes about that given his psychology, it is a forgone conclusion that he will lie to me. I think in this case he is still blameworthy, and that implies, among other things, that he did something he ought not do.”

[Nomy Arpaly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nomy-arpaly/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A person who lies out of self‑interest, even if indifferent to truth, is still morally blameworthy because the act violates a duty not to deceive.

**In simple terms:** Self‑interested lying is blameworthy.

Key Takeaway

Recognize duty to truth despite motives.

Themes

ethics responsibility truthfulness

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

- personal relationships
- legal testimony
- business negotiations
- media reporting

Key Concepts

moral philosophy intentionality blame

Questions to Reflect On

- Is moral blame tied to intent or outcome?
- Can indifference excuse deception?

A Different Perspective

If indifference removes moral concern, accountability may be contested.

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[Care](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/care/) [Conclusion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conclusion/) [Interest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interest/) [Lie to me](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lie-to-me/) [Lying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lying/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Self interest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-interest/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Worship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/worship/)

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