"Truth exists; only lies are invented"

Georges Braque’s statement, “Truth exists; only lies are invented,” distills a profound philosophical stance on reality and deception. Truth, in this view, is not created by humans but is an inherent aspect of existence, an objective presence independent of our perception or explanation. It presupposes that reality, whether physical facts or fundamental principles, exists regardless of subjective belief or human acknowledgement. Truth may be difficult to fully apprehend or articulate, but its existence does not depend on interpretation.

Lies, in contrast, require human intervention. They arise from intention, imagination, and the conscious manipulation of information. Lies do not occur naturally; they are manufactured constructs, fabricated to deceive, conceal, or distort the nature of the reality that already exists. This act of invention necessitates creativity, as lies must be crafted to sound plausible or compelling enough to challenge what is true. Unlike truth, which is discovered, lies are products of artifice.

The dichotomy presented by Braque suggests a subtle commentary on art, perception, and knowledge. As an artist and innovator, Braque struggled with the reality of objects and representations. The assertion implies that while creativity is often celebrated, not all acts of creation serve enlightenment, some, like lying, might deliberately obscure the truth rather than illuminate it. The phrase speaks to the ethical dimensions of human expression: inventiveness can be double-edged, used to reveal or to obscure, to foster understanding or confusion.

Furthermore, the quote can be seen as a challenge: it implies a responsibility to seek out and recognize truth rather than to become entangled in the seductive web of invention for its own sake. Truth, though potentially elusive or inconvenient, is ever-present, while lies are the ephemeral shadows we cast against its enduring substance. Ultimately, Braque’s perspective invites a recommitment to honesty and integrity in not only communication but also in the pursuit of knowledge and self-understanding.