"There are some people so addicted to exaggeration that they can't tell the truth without lying"

This quote by Josh Billings is a commentary on the propensity of some individuals to exaggerate the reality. It suggests that these people are so used to overemphasizing that they can not tell the reality without including a lie. This could be due to the fact that they are attempting to make themselves look much better or since they are so used to overemphasizing that they do not even realize they are doing it. It might also be since they are attempting to make a story more interesting or amusing. Whatever the reason, this quote is a pointer that exaggeration can be an unsafe routine and that it is necessary to be honest and sincere in our interaction.