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On the Decay of the Art of Lying
On the Decay of the Art of Lying is a short essay written by Mark Twain in 1885 for a meeting of the Historical and Antiquarian Club of Hartford, Connecticut. In the essay, Twain laments the dour ways in which men of America's Gilded Age employ man's "most faithfull friend." He concludes by insisting that: "the wise thing is for us diligently to train ourselves to lie thoughtfully, judiciously; to lie with a good object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely, not cruelly, hurtfully, maliciously; to lie gracefully and graciously, not awkwardly and clumsily; to lie firmly, frankly, squarely, with head erect, not haltingly, tortuously, with pusillanimous mien, as being ashamed of our high calling."
6 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1882
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About the author
Mark Twain
9,013 books18.8k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist and essayist. He was praised as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced," with William Faulkner calling him "the father of American literature." His novels include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), with the latter often called the "Great American Novel." Twain also wrote A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889) and Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894), and co-wrote The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today (1873) with Charles Dudley Warner.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist and essayist. He was praised as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced," with William Faulkner calling him "the father of American literature." His novels include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), with the latter often called the "Great American Novel." Twain also wrote A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889) and Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894), and co-wrote The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today (1873) with Charles Dudley Warner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
February 5, 2017
Less satirical than you might expect from the title, sharp, funny, memorable.
July 18, 2014
Heyo Liars!!!!
"Lying is universal—we all do it. Therefore, the wise thing is for us diligently to train ourselves to lie thoughtfully, judiciously; to lie with a good object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely,not cruelly, hurtfully, maliciously; to lie gracefully and graciously, not awkwardly and clumsily; to lie firmly, frankly, squarely, with head erect, not haltingly, tortuously, with pusillanimous mien, as being ashamed of our high calling."
Okay, we all lie. That is the truth. We all are judicious liars. Tell me the truth, how honestly do you answer this question, "How are you."? As far as I am concerned, I don't go telling everyone about how I truly am. I put on my best smile and answer, "I am FINE." knowing very well that I am not. Liar!
Then comes the silent lies that dominate our lives. According to Mark Twain, a silent lie is "the deception which one conveys by simply keeping still and concealing the truth. Many obstinate truth-mongers indulge in this dissipation, imagining that if they speak no lie, they lie not at all."...the unspoken truths are lies. Liar!
Mark Twain says, "An injurious lie is an uncommendable thing; and so, also, and in the same degree, is an injurious truth—a fact that is recognized by the law of libel." This is partly a lie, okay, partly true. It's better an injurious truth than a lie. I mean, the truth remains, deal with it. An injurious lie is unforgivable.
Don't lie!
"Lying is universal—we all do it. Therefore, the wise thing is for us diligently to train ourselves to lie thoughtfully, judiciously; to lie with a good object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely,not cruelly, hurtfully, maliciously; to lie gracefully and graciously, not awkwardly and clumsily; to lie firmly, frankly, squarely, with head erect, not haltingly, tortuously, with pusillanimous mien, as being ashamed of our high calling."
Okay, we all lie. That is the truth. We all are judicious liars. Tell me the truth, how honestly do you answer this question, "How are you."? As far as I am concerned, I don't go telling everyone about how I truly am. I put on my best smile and answer, "I am FINE." knowing very well that I am not. Liar!
Then comes the silent lies that dominate our lives. According to Mark Twain, a silent lie is "the deception which one conveys by simply keeping still and concealing the truth. Many obstinate truth-mongers indulge in this dissipation, imagining that if they speak no lie, they lie not at all."...the unspoken truths are lies. Liar!
Mark Twain says, "An injurious lie is an uncommendable thing; and so, also, and in the same degree, is an injurious truth—a fact that is recognized by the law of libel." This is partly a lie, okay, partly true. It's better an injurious truth than a lie. I mean, the truth remains, deal with it. An injurious lie is unforgivable.
Don't lie!
March 19, 2022
A very charming essay regarding the potential positive nature of lying and how it is ultimately unavoidable. It's a thought-provoking piece for sure, it makes you think about how you subconsciously lie to yourself and to others on a regular basis without even being fully aware of it for the most part. However, this is not portrayed as a negative thing at all, it explains how it is not only natural, but how it can have a surprisingly positive impact on people. This can be summed up with a final quote near the very end of the essay.
"Lying is universal—we all do it. Therefore, the wise thing is for us diligently to train ourselves to lie thoughtfully, judiciously; to lie with a good object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely, not cruelly, hurtfully, maliciously; to lie gracefully and graciously, not awkwardly and clumsily; to lie firmly, frankly, squarely, with head erect, not haltingly, tortuously, with pusillanimous mien, as being ashamed of our high calling."
"Lying is universal—we all do it. Therefore, the wise thing is for us diligently to train ourselves to lie thoughtfully, judiciously; to lie with a good object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely, not cruelly, hurtfully, maliciously; to lie gracefully and graciously, not awkwardly and clumsily; to lie firmly, frankly, squarely, with head erect, not haltingly, tortuously, with pusillanimous mien, as being ashamed of our high calling."
April 10, 2019
Suggested rules for lying
This review is of the free Kindle edition
Publication date: October 4, 2009
Publisher: Public Domain Books
Language: English
ASIN: B002RKRUTU
As much as I admire Mark Twain as a humorist, I have to admit that the title is funnier than the essay. It is a pretty good essay concerning some truths about lying. In it Twain opposes both injurious truth and injurious lying.
At the Amazon listing for this essay, the comments and reviews posted by the publisher or by Amazon concern John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. Not Twain's essay on lying.
This review is of the free Kindle edition
Publication date: October 4, 2009
Publisher: Public Domain Books
Language: English
ASIN: B002RKRUTU
As much as I admire Mark Twain as a humorist, I have to admit that the title is funnier than the essay. It is a pretty good essay concerning some truths about lying. In it Twain opposes both injurious truth and injurious lying.
At the Amazon listing for this essay, the comments and reviews posted by the publisher or by Amazon concern John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. Not Twain's essay on lying.
November 12, 2018
"Apriya na satyam na bravit." - Sanskrit maxim
("That which is not beautiful is untruthful and should not be said.")
------------
"An awkward, unscientific lie is often as ineffectual as the truth."
"Everybody lies--every day, every hour, awake, asleep, in his dreams, in his joy, in his mourning."
"What I bemoan is the growing prevalence of the brutal truth. Let us do what we can to eradicate it. An injurious truth has no merit over an injurious lie."
"... A stranger called and interrupted you. You said with your hearty tongue, "I'm glad to see you," and said with your heartier soul, "I wish you were with the cannibals and it was dinner time ..."
"None of us could live with an habitual truth-teller; but thank goodness none of us has to. An habitual truth-teller is simply an impossible creature; he does not exist; he never has existed."
("That which is not beautiful is untruthful and should not be said.")
------------
"An awkward, unscientific lie is often as ineffectual as the truth."
"Everybody lies--every day, every hour, awake, asleep, in his dreams, in his joy, in his mourning."
"What I bemoan is the growing prevalence of the brutal truth. Let us do what we can to eradicate it. An injurious truth has no merit over an injurious lie."
"... A stranger called and interrupted you. You said with your hearty tongue, "I'm glad to see you," and said with your heartier soul, "I wish you were with the cannibals and it was dinner time ..."
"None of us could live with an habitual truth-teller; but thank goodness none of us has to. An habitual truth-teller is simply an impossible creature; he does not exist; he never has existed."
November 17, 2011
I've never heard of anyone arguing
for dishonesty, but this essay/novella
made sense. Mark Twain basically says
that lying is good, so long as its intentions
are good. And it's true--everyone does lie. It's
human nature. Twain goes as far as to say that
it's beneficial in relationshis.
An interesting, entertaining, short read!
for dishonesty, but this essay/novella
made sense. Mark Twain basically says
that lying is good, so long as its intentions
are good. And it's true--everyone does lie. It's
human nature. Twain goes as far as to say that
it's beneficial in relationshis.
An interesting, entertaining, short read!
March 30, 2019
"Es extraordinario el completo y vasto estudio que dedicó el Creador a la gran obra de hacer desgraciado al hombre."
Con relatos breves te suelta verdades como puños con un sarcasmo único, y las cartas de Satanás describiendo a los humanos son sencillamente sublimes.
Con relatos breves te suelta verdades como puños con un sarcasmo único, y las cartas de Satanás describiendo a los humanos son sencillamente sublimes.
March 10, 2020
An excellent writer that Mark Twain was, his literature stands out in its writing. In this essay, Twain makes use of more than a few literary devices to add a stratum of ingenuity and inventiveness that allows for an agreeable reading experience. He uses spoof, symbols, drollness, cynicism and narrative in such a restrained and handsome manner that the narrative almost effortlessly permeates into the reader's unconscious.
'Satire' is used to superlative effect in order to condemn a societal principle with the anticipation of reforming it for the better. How can lying be an art form? Customarily, lying is deemed malevolent and devious, and liars ostracized. Hence, the astute way out for us is to educate ourselves conscientiously to lie sympathetically, to lie for a magnanimous and altruistic purpose and something that should be therapeutic in its effect.
"Lying is universal- we all do it," is one precise instance of lampoon in the essay.
Instead of perfecting the 'art' of lying, people should perfect the art of trut - telling. Twain is using lampoon to mark human sins and slights, to target shared institutions and rule, to target the whim of the generation who have recourse to lying. He is attempting to alter and modulate his reader by applying derision, mockery and scorn.
In his words, "The highest perfect of politeness is only a beautiful edifice, built, from the base to the dome, of graceful and gilded forms of charitable and unselfish lying". Using metaphor, Twain entails a contrast between chivalrous lying and an edifice, or a building structure. He is harping upon the modishness of their form, both lies and the structure, and also points out at its structural strength. That is, Twain is hinting at the might and power, that these lies have in manipulating another individual.
The essay is replete with the author’s inimitable wit. For instance: "I think that all this courteous lying is a sweet and loving art, and should be cultivated." Twain writes with handsome language that carries expressiveness off every roll of the tongue, but instead of a poetic spin, it leads to something acerbic and comical. Twain goes on to say that once lying is perfected, the world shall be "great and good and beautiful." This is ironic in a sense that lying is associated with everything negative yet one who lies correctly is shown in a positive light.
Twain writes that once perfecting the art of lying, humankind will be "worthy dwellers in a world where even benign Nature habitually lies except when she promises execrable weather. Then - But am I but a new and feeble student in this gracious art."
Twain tells the audience about a fastidious conversation he had, with a "lovely spirit, a lady whose impulses were always high and pure" while at dinner "in that for country where (he) once lived."
Twain has written this essay which is nothing less than a work of genius. The theme is so ordinary yet it is still a fresh work of literature even today and finds a perfect fit considering the existing social scenario. Twain uses literary devices like it is second nature, for the words seem to flow across till the end and allow for a matchless and a genuinely indisputable essay.
'Satire' is used to superlative effect in order to condemn a societal principle with the anticipation of reforming it for the better. How can lying be an art form? Customarily, lying is deemed malevolent and devious, and liars ostracized. Hence, the astute way out for us is to educate ourselves conscientiously to lie sympathetically, to lie for a magnanimous and altruistic purpose and something that should be therapeutic in its effect.
"Lying is universal- we all do it," is one precise instance of lampoon in the essay.
Instead of perfecting the 'art' of lying, people should perfect the art of trut - telling. Twain is using lampoon to mark human sins and slights, to target shared institutions and rule, to target the whim of the generation who have recourse to lying. He is attempting to alter and modulate his reader by applying derision, mockery and scorn.
In his words, "The highest perfect of politeness is only a beautiful edifice, built, from the base to the dome, of graceful and gilded forms of charitable and unselfish lying". Using metaphor, Twain entails a contrast between chivalrous lying and an edifice, or a building structure. He is harping upon the modishness of their form, both lies and the structure, and also points out at its structural strength. That is, Twain is hinting at the might and power, that these lies have in manipulating another individual.
The essay is replete with the author’s inimitable wit. For instance: "I think that all this courteous lying is a sweet and loving art, and should be cultivated." Twain writes with handsome language that carries expressiveness off every roll of the tongue, but instead of a poetic spin, it leads to something acerbic and comical. Twain goes on to say that once lying is perfected, the world shall be "great and good and beautiful." This is ironic in a sense that lying is associated with everything negative yet one who lies correctly is shown in a positive light.
Twain writes that once perfecting the art of lying, humankind will be "worthy dwellers in a world where even benign Nature habitually lies except when she promises execrable weather. Then - But am I but a new and feeble student in this gracious art."
Twain tells the audience about a fastidious conversation he had, with a "lovely spirit, a lady whose impulses were always high and pure" while at dinner "in that for country where (he) once lived."
Twain has written this essay which is nothing less than a work of genius. The theme is so ordinary yet it is still a fresh work of literature even today and finds a perfect fit considering the existing social scenario. Twain uses literary devices like it is second nature, for the words seem to flow across till the end and allow for a matchless and a genuinely indisputable essay.
October 2, 2020
Mark Twain es un genio del sarcasmo y el humor. Lo demuestra en este pequeño ensayo de apenas 200 páginas. Dividido en pequeños relatos, cuentos y cartas, el autor termina convenciéndonos de que la mentira es necesaria, valiosa y que absolutamente todos nosotros mentimos. A veces para bien y otras para mal.
Me han gustado, especialmente, los cuentos donde al niño bueno siempre le ocurren todas las desgracias por tratar de hacer lo que la moral dicta y el niño malo se sale siempre con la suya. En la vida real suele ocurrir de la misma manera.
La carta final del diablo hablando de los humanos pero, especialmente, de Dios es, además de un claro ejemplo del ateísmo de Mark Twain, el humor más negro y retorcido del autor. Me ha parecido sublime.
Me han gustado, especialmente, los cuentos donde al niño bueno siempre le ocurren todas las desgracias por tratar de hacer lo que la moral dicta y el niño malo se sale siempre con la suya. En la vida real suele ocurrir de la misma manera.
La carta final del diablo hablando de los humanos pero, especialmente, de Dios es, además de un claro ejemplo del ateísmo de Mark Twain, el humor más negro y retorcido del autor. Me ha parecido sublime.
December 26, 2016
Twain explica en narraciones breves que quien obra honradamente no se ha podido adaptar al mundo y sufrirá las consecuencias, que los libros de ética solo cuentan la mitad de las cosas y que mentir es un asunto justo y necesario, un asunto de formación y responsabilidad.
December 12, 2018
Short. Sweet. Sublime. Superb.
A timeless 'Twain.'
A timeless 'Twain.'
February 16, 2015
Of course there are people who think they never lie, but it is not so - and this ignorance is one of the very things that shame our so called civilisation.
What a fun read! I've thought for a while now that there is a rather wearisome need to be honest all the time. In relationships, there is the almost tyrannical need for honesty, as though it were a mark of the quality of the relationship. Having been the demanding despot at some point of time, this essay gave me an opportunity to laugh at myself.
Short 10 minute read. Highly recommended.
Audio : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2Xxo...
E-book : http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2572
What a fun read! I've thought for a while now that there is a rather wearisome need to be honest all the time. In relationships, there is the almost tyrannical need for honesty, as though it were a mark of the quality of the relationship. Having been the demanding despot at some point of time, this essay gave me an opportunity to laugh at myself.
Short 10 minute read. Highly recommended.
Audio : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2Xxo...
E-book : http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2572
November 11, 2013
Piccoli saggi, da piccola editoria. Talvolta, entrare nel laboratorio di un genio può essere interessante. Avvicinare invece le prolusioni marginali di uno scrittore, pur bravo, aggiunge poco. Resta interesse monografico, da studioso o cultore. Credo, oltretutto, che la ricerca spasmodica di qualcosa da pubblicare a ogni costo, oggi ingolfi un mercato già strabordante di inutilità, e non giovi all'intrattenimento letterario.
May 26, 2016
I won't consider this as a book. It is a small essay available on Kindle. I used to feel guilty about lying or angry about others lying to me. This makes me feel good about harmless lies that make others happy
March 4, 2011
Short, clever and true. All of us lie but twain urges us to lie in ways that will build each other up-not tear each other down. Reading this book made me think about all the times I have lied to make someone feel better about themselves. I hate lying though and when I do compliment someone I usually mean it. But there are certain situations when it is necessary to not say what you really mean. For example is someone is very late and you having been sitting there for 30 min and they didn't even bother to call and let you know I would be very annoyed if they just strolled in unapologetically. I would want to give them a piece of my mind but instead I would just hold my tongue and say it's alright.
I remember hearing about a.j. Jacobs and how he tried radical honesty for an entire month. He didn't hold anything back and said exactly what he was thinking. He said it was the worst month of his life. No one appreciated his honesty - especially his wife!
It got me thinking a lot about when to be honest and not to be. Many people tell me that I'm too blunt and need to think before I speak. This is something I've been trying to work on for years but I can't help but dislike the fact that I have to lie instead of say what I really think. I wouldn't want someone to lie to me. I would want them to tell me the truth no matter how much it may hurt. Also I don't think a relationship can be genuine if there isn't honesty. My closest relationships are not based on lies and pretentions but on lovingly speaking the truth.
Can you really love someone but lie to their face?
Twain makes some good points about the benefits of lying but i prefer the truth.
I remember hearing about a.j. Jacobs and how he tried radical honesty for an entire month. He didn't hold anything back and said exactly what he was thinking. He said it was the worst month of his life. No one appreciated his honesty - especially his wife!
It got me thinking a lot about when to be honest and not to be. Many people tell me that I'm too blunt and need to think before I speak. This is something I've been trying to work on for years but I can't help but dislike the fact that I have to lie instead of say what I really think. I wouldn't want someone to lie to me. I would want them to tell me the truth no matter how much it may hurt. Also I don't think a relationship can be genuine if there isn't honesty. My closest relationships are not based on lies and pretentions but on lovingly speaking the truth.
Can you really love someone but lie to their face?
Twain makes some good points about the benefits of lying but i prefer the truth.
September 11, 2016
I have read several books by Mark Twain and his writing is very varied and entertaining. This short essay was free off Amazon and this humorous read discusses on the lost art of lying and the many different ways that people lie. Mark Twain's work has lasted the test of time and in this modern world I still think his work is worth reading.
March 4, 2015
If Mark Twain were alive today he'd be Stephen Colbert. His writing is funny and wry. This short book/essay is a testimony to his social observation, wisdom and wit. If you don't come away from this reading saying "I'm a liar, and I hope to become better at lying" you are either in need of a humor transplant or a terrible liar.
December 31, 2018
"the truth would have cost you both pain."
Charitable lying is better than the brutal truth.
Don't pass away while listening.
"An injurious lie is an uncommendable thing, and so also, in the same degree, is an injurious truth, a fact that is recognized by the law of libel."
What's a fellow to do?
Find out here.
Charitable lying is better than the brutal truth.
Don't pass away while listening.
"An injurious lie is an uncommendable thing, and so also, in the same degree, is an injurious truth, a fact that is recognized by the law of libel."
What's a fellow to do?
Find out here.
October 10, 2017
This book mentions why it is important to lie. Lying for the benefit of others as well as for the good deeds, can be beneficial. Author has pointed lying, as the thing that people need to be taught formally of as one would need to lie at least once in their lifetime.
June 27, 2020
To quote this review: "The title is funnier than the essay."
But at 6 pages, well worth the free chuckle.
But at 6 pages, well worth the free chuckle.
April 14, 2011
Excellent read; short and amusing; painfully true - worth reading again; read on my Android on my 30 minute lunch break;
March 23, 2013
Mark Twain puts forward a great argument for judicious lying. He almost says its our duty as a polite society to lie judiciously.
March 20, 2014
Children and fools always speak the truth.
November 4, 2014
Facetious and fun
this is Mark twain running wild with wit. funny and over the top, hyperbole at its finest.
quick short essay
this is Mark twain running wild with wit. funny and over the top, hyperbole at its finest.
quick short essay
March 14, 2017
Un libro lleno de sarcasmo e ironía, una crítica mordaz a los libros de "moral" y a la religión, principalmente a la cristiana.
October 19, 2014
"Lying is universal--we all do it. Therefore, the wise thing is for us diligently to train ourselves to lie thoughtfully, judiciously; to lie with a good object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely, not cruelly, hurtfully, maliciously; to lie gracefully and graciously, not awkwardly and clumsily; to lie firmly, frankly, squarely, with head erect, not haltingly, tortuously, with pusillanimous mien, as being ashamed of our high calling."
Satire or not, this essay explained "judicious" lying much better than the tired "Would you lie to Nazis about the location of any Jews you know?" or something. High school English class, conversations related to Kant, etc. Twain takes the idea lying, something most claim to hate and instead demand for transparency, and turns the Lie into a virtue. Lies make mankind civilized.
"The highest perfection of politeness is only a beautiful edifice, built, from the base to the dome, of grateful and gilded forms of charitable and unselfish lying." The exchange of "How are you?" "Fine, thank you." and all its all incarnations mostly come off as conversation fillers; with closer friends one may even tack on how they're actually doing, even if it's the exact opposite of "fine" (I know I'm guilty of it on occasion). But it's polite to show interest in someone else's well-being, even if you don't. And it's polite to answer as if you are willing to always tell them how you really feel.
Along with unselfish lies, Twain brings up silent lies. Sometimes it's easiest to say nothing to prevent getting trapped by your own words; however his examples focus on staying silent for the benefit of others. In some situations, there are trivial matters you don't mention for various reason, often boiling down to keeping the peace. Not that it works for everything. Silence after being asked the classic "Does this make my butt look big?" can never end well.
Lying is a tool that, according to Twain, should be used with good intentions and the benefit others instead of lying to bring others down for one's own benefit.
Satire or not, this essay explained "judicious" lying much better than the tired "Would you lie to Nazis about the location of any Jews you know?" or something. High school English class, conversations related to Kant, etc. Twain takes the idea lying, something most claim to hate and instead demand for transparency, and turns the Lie into a virtue. Lies make mankind civilized.
"The highest perfection of politeness is only a beautiful edifice, built, from the base to the dome, of grateful and gilded forms of charitable and unselfish lying." The exchange of "How are you?" "Fine, thank you." and all its all incarnations mostly come off as conversation fillers; with closer friends one may even tack on how they're actually doing, even if it's the exact opposite of "fine" (I know I'm guilty of it on occasion). But it's polite to show interest in someone else's well-being, even if you don't. And it's polite to answer as if you are willing to always tell them how you really feel.
Along with unselfish lies, Twain brings up silent lies. Sometimes it's easiest to say nothing to prevent getting trapped by your own words; however his examples focus on staying silent for the benefit of others. In some situations, there are trivial matters you don't mention for various reason, often boiling down to keeping the peace. Not that it works for everything. Silence after being asked the classic "Does this make my butt look big?" can never end well.
Lying is a tool that, according to Twain, should be used with good intentions and the benefit others instead of lying to bring others down for one's own benefit.
January 30, 2011
this is a short sweet and to the point little piece of writing that ought to make anyone feel good who is exasperated with all the lying cheating thievin no good two-tiimin back-stabbin mind-boggling events that one may be concerned about....
...like, demon-possession. say you're all riled up about demon-possession, what w/the goings on around the world, all the shape-changers and fruit-loop peddlers you're likely to see, say, if you turn on the evening news, any national network brand and then some.
"children and fools always speak the truth. the deduction is plain--adults and wise persons never speak it.
"of course there are people who think they never lie, but it is no so--and ignorance is one of the very bad things that shame our our so-called civilization. everybody lies--every day; every hour; awake; asleep; in his dreams; in his joys; in his mourning; if he keeps his tongue still, his hands, his feet, his eyes, his attitude, will convey deception--and purposely."
amen brother!
i think these kind of liars are the type that piss me off the mostus.
all their high cockolorum and rooty toot shoes.
"the iron-souled truth-monger would plainly manifest, or even utter the fact that he didn't want to see those people--and he would be an ass, and inflict totally unnecessary pain."
so, yeah, makes sense just to brush the dust off your feet and have no more to do with them.
"the man who speaks an injurious truth lest his soul not be saved if he do otherwise, should reflect that that sort of soul is not strictly worth saving."
amen brother.
so, anyway, this was a short sweet and to the point piece...check it out.
heh heh! one last quote that struck my fancy. "i don't mean the least harm or disrespect, but really you have been lying like smoke ever since i've been sitting here. it has caused me a good deal of pain, because i'm not used to it."
--very well then, let's see what truths may be here--
...like, demon-possession. say you're all riled up about demon-possession, what w/the goings on around the world, all the shape-changers and fruit-loop peddlers you're likely to see, say, if you turn on the evening news, any national network brand and then some.
"children and fools always speak the truth. the deduction is plain--adults and wise persons never speak it.
"of course there are people who think they never lie, but it is no so--and ignorance is one of the very bad things that shame our our so-called civilization. everybody lies--every day; every hour; awake; asleep; in his dreams; in his joys; in his mourning; if he keeps his tongue still, his hands, his feet, his eyes, his attitude, will convey deception--and purposely."
amen brother!
i think these kind of liars are the type that piss me off the mostus.
all their high cockolorum and rooty toot shoes.
"the iron-souled truth-monger would plainly manifest, or even utter the fact that he didn't want to see those people--and he would be an ass, and inflict totally unnecessary pain."
so, yeah, makes sense just to brush the dust off your feet and have no more to do with them.
"the man who speaks an injurious truth lest his soul not be saved if he do otherwise, should reflect that that sort of soul is not strictly worth saving."
amen brother.
so, anyway, this was a short sweet and to the point piece...check it out.
heh heh! one last quote that struck my fancy. "i don't mean the least harm or disrespect, but really you have been lying like smoke ever since i've been sitting here. it has caused me a good deal of pain, because i'm not used to it."
--very well then, let's see what truths may be here--
July 21, 2017
Realistically morally unrelenting.
Twain has delivered hard truths about lies in this gem of an essay. His humor and ruthless honesty may leave one with unnecessary pretense feeling naked and afraid as it were when discussing the practicalities of lying in everyday life, and the impracticalities of unnecessarily ruthless honesty. The irony of his story is only matched by its wit and is certainly rivaled by its wisdom. His core message is founded on what has been called "street smarts" before: the sense of when to tell a judicious white lie. His advice on the matter will no doubt prove timeless.
Twain has delivered hard truths about lies in this gem of an essay. His humor and ruthless honesty may leave one with unnecessary pretense feeling naked and afraid as it were when discussing the practicalities of lying in everyday life, and the impracticalities of unnecessarily ruthless honesty. The irony of his story is only matched by its wit and is certainly rivaled by its wisdom. His core message is founded on what has been called "street smarts" before: the sense of when to tell a judicious white lie. His advice on the matter will no doubt prove timeless.
April 2, 2019
The wise thing is for us diligently to train ourselves to lie thoughtfully, judiciously; to lie with a good object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely, not cruelly, hurtfully, maliciously; to lie gracefully and graciously, not awkwardly and clumsily; to lie firmly, frankly, squarely, with head erect, not haltingly, tortuously, with pusillanimous mien, as being ashamed of our high calling.
One of the best essays I have ever read. So true. So real.
One of the best essays I have ever read. So true. So real.
July 27, 2016
Interessante antologia de textos dispersos de um dos grandes satíricos da literatura de língua inglesa. Alguns dos momentos de prosa são mais aguçados e aperfeiçoados do que outros (daí notar-se a diferença constante entre a pujança de cada texto, e o formato específico em que cada um se enquadra), mas é um livro óptimo para dar a conhecer uma parte do génio de Mark Twain - isto para aqueles que nunca tiveram a oportunidade de ler o Tom Sawyer ou o Huckelberry Finn.
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