Famous quote by Pierre Corneille

"A liar is always lavish of oaths"

About this Quote

Pierre Corneille’s observation that “A liar is always lavish of oaths” exposes a timeless insight into human nature and the dynamics of dishonesty. When someone tells the truth, their words typically stand on their own, relying on internal consistency and credibility. In contrast, liars often sense the inherent fragility of their testimony. To compensate, they are inclined to bolster their words with frequent and emphatic vows, declarations, or swearing, a tactic designed to overwhelm doubt and mask their deception.

Lavishness of oaths signifies an attempt to substitute intensity for sincerity. Rather than presenting facts or calmly recounting the truth, a liar attempts to drown skepticism with repeated assurances: “I swear” or “On my honor.” This overcompensation serves multiple psychological purposes. For the liar, it is a shield, by asserting their point passionately, they may convince themselves of their veracity or, at least, temporarily quiet their conscience. For the audience, the display is meant to create an illusion of reliability, tricking listeners into mistaking fervor for authenticity.

Corneille’s insight reflects a broader understanding of social trust. In societies and personal relationships, the excessive use of oaths can be an early warning sign of dishonesty. People who consistently resort to swearing their truthfulness often erode trust rather than build it, as their intensity becomes suspect. The observed pattern is ancient and cross-cultural, Machiavelli, Shakespeare, and even the Bible caution against those who swear too much.

Moreover, the phrase reveals an aspect of dramatic irony: the more insistent one becomes about their truthfulness, the less trustworthy they may appear. Thus, Corneille offers guidance not just on recognizing deception, but also on how trustworthiness resides in steadiness and quiet confidence, rather than in the noise of repeated declarations. Ultimately, the value of one’s word is shown by how rarely it requires ornate reinforcement.

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About the Author

Pierre Corneille This quote is from Pierre Corneille between June 6, 1606 and October 1, 1684. He was a famous Dramatist from France. The author also have 65 other quotes.
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