Quotation by

Samuel Butler

Lying has a kind of respect and reverence with it. We pay a person the compliment of acknowledging his superiority whenever we lie to him.

Samuel Butler

Respect

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Samuel Butler suggests that when we lie to someone, we are recognizing their ability to understand and respond to the lie, which shows a form of respect for their intelligence. In other words, lying implies we see the other person as capable and important enough to engage with in this complex way.

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