Air Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll
“Perjury is the basest and meanest and most cowardly of crimes. What can it do? Perjury can change the common air that we breathe into the axe of an executioner.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Philosophy of Perjury, 1880
Perjury corrupts truth, turning shared reality into a weapon of execution.
In simple terms: Lying corrupts reality.
Key Takeaway
Speak truthfully always.
Themes
truth
justice
corruption
Mood
serious
somber
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- courtroom
- politics
- media
- personal interactions
Key Concepts
ethical integrity
social trust
legal consequences
Questions to Reflect On
- What truth have you compromised?
- How can society protect against perjury?
A Different Perspective
Truth can be weaponized by others.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
