"Lying is an elementary means of self-defense"

This quote by Susan Sontag recommends that lying is a natural and instinctive method for people to protect themselves. It suggests that individuals are typically driven to lie in order to secure themselves from harm or to prevent difficult situations. Lying can be seen as a type of self-preservation, as it permits people to prevent the effects of their actions or to avoid dealing with hard truths. It can likewise be used to manipulate or trick others in order to acquire an advantage. Eventually, this quote suggests that lying is a natural and instinctive method for people to protect themselves, which it is an important part of humanity.