"Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well"

This quote by Samuel Butler is a commentary on the power of deception. It indicates that while anybody can tell the truth, it takes an individual of greater intelligence and wit to be able to lie effectively. Butler is recommending that lying is a skill that needs a particular level of cunning and cleverness. It is not something that can be done by anyone, however rather needs an individual of some sense to be able to pull it off. This quote is a suggestion that lying is not something to be ignored, which it needs a specific level of ability and intelligence to be able to do it successfully. It is a cautioning to those who believe they can get away with lying, as it is not as simple as it may appear.