Lying Quote by Sam Harris
““A total prohibition against lying is also ethically incoherent in anyone but a true pacifist.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Moral Landscape”, Sam Harris, 2010
A total ban on lying is ethically inconsistent except for true pacifists, highlighting the complexity of moral absolutism.
In simple terms: Absolute lying bans conflict with ethics.
Key Takeaway
Balance honesty with context.
Themes
ethics
truth
pacifism
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
debate
When to use this quote
- legal policy
- philosophical debate
- personal integrity
Key Concepts
absolutism
lie
ethical consistency
Questions to Reflect On
- When is lying justified?
- How do pacifists reconcile truth‑telling?
A Different Perspective
Absolute honesty may cause harm.
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