“If it were true what in the end would be gained? Nothing but another truth. Is this such a mighty advantage? We have enough old truths still to digest, and even these we would be quite unable to endure if we did not sometimes flavor them with lies.”
E 10
Aphorisms (1765-1799), Notebook E (1775 - 1776)
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Georg Christoph Lichtenberg 137
German scientist, satirist 1742–1799Related quotes

“The bird of truth would not be able to fly if it weren't for the air of lies we breathe.”
from E.J. Martin's website at http://morayeel.louisiana.edu/ejMARTIN/ejMARTIN-artist.html

“But no. There is a difference between the truth and what we wish were true.”
Source: The Slow Regard of Silent Things

“A kiss may not be the truth, but it is what we wish were true.”
As Harris K. Telemacher in "L.A. Story" (1991)

Source: Chronicles: Vol. One (2004), p. 220

“We would do absolutely nothing. Now that's a blunt, truthful answer.”
When asked what a Labor government would do if Indonesia were to invade East Timor, in an interview three days before the invasion. Sydney Morning Herald (5 December 1975)