"A lie which is half a truth is ever the blackest of lies"
- Alfred Lord Tennyson
About this Quote
In this extensive quote by Alfred Lord Tennyson, the speaker considers the nature of deceit. The concept of a lie being "half a reality" suggests that a partial truth can serve as a smart disguise, making the lie more persuading and ominous. Tennyson's option of explaining such lies as "the blackest of lies" indicates their naturally dark and corruptive nature. This quote reminds us that lies can be most hazardous when they are smartly crafted to include aspects of fact, as they control understanding and wear down trust. It serves as a cautionary message against the deceptive power of dishonesty and encourages us to value and maintain the significance of truthfulness.
"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time"
