On the Decay of the Art of Lying

On the Decay of the Art of Lying

by Mark Twain

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	84 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	28 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	318 pages
Item Weight	:	12.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.49 x 9 inches
Paperback	:	193 pages

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By Mark Twain

In the early days of the world, lying was not considered a sin, but rather a fine art, and the man who could lie the best and most gracefully was considered a person of great cleverness and ability. In those old days the people took pride in their lies, and they were handed down from father to son as priceless heirlooms. Thus, in the days of Pericles, the Athenians were noted for their eloquence and fertility of invention, and the Spartans for their laconicism and truthfulness. The Persians were notorious liars, and the Egyptians were so proficient in the art that they could deceive even the gods.

But in these latter days, the art of lying has fallen into decay, and the man who tells a lie is looked upon as a criminal and an outcast. This is a great pity, for lying is a necessary evil in society, and the decline in the art of lying has led to a decline in trust and civility.

Lying is necessary in order to protect ourselves from the truth. The truth is often harsh and unpleasant, and if we were always forced to tell the truth, we would soon become discouraged and unhappy. Lying allows us to sugarcoat the truth and make it more palatable. For example, if you are asked how you are ng, you might say that you are fine, even if you are really feeling down. This is a small lie, but it can make a big difference in the way that you feel.

Lying is also necessary in order to protect others from the truth. Sometimes the truth can be hurtful, and if we were always forced to tell the truth, we would soon become isolated and alone. Lying allows us to spare others pain and suffering. For example, if you know that a friend is going through a difficult time, you might tell them that everything is going to be okay, even if you don't really believe it. This is a lie, but it can make a big difference in the way that your friend feels.

Lying is also necessary in order to maintain social harmony. If we were always forced to tell the truth, we would soon become embroiled in conflict and chaos. Lying allows us to smooth over differences and keep the peace. For example, if you are asked to give your opinion on a controversial topic, you might say that you agree with the person who is asking, even if you don't really agree. This is a lie, but it can help to avoid a heated argument.

Of course, lying can also be used for evil purposes. Liars can use their skills to deceive and manipulate others, to gain power and wealth, and to destroy lives. But this is not the fault of lying itself. It is the fault of the people who use lying for evil purposes.

The decline in the art of lying has led to a decline in trust and civility. In the old days, people were able to trust each other because they knew that everyone was capable of lying. This allowed them to build strong relationships and to cooperate with each other. But today, trust is in short supply because people are afraid to be lied to. This makes it difficult to build relationships and to cooperate with others.

The decline in the art of lying has also led to a decline in civility. In the old days, people were more civil to each other because they knew that everyone was capable of lying. This allowed them to disagree with each other without resorting to violence or hate speech. But today, civility is in short supply because people are afraid of being lied to. This makes it difficult to disagree with each other without resorting to violence or hate speech.

I believe that it is time for us to revive the art of lying. Lying is a necessary evil in society, and the decline in the art of lying has led to a decline in trust and civility. We need to learn how to lie again, so that we can protect ourselves from the truth, protect others from the truth, and maintain social harmony.

I propose that we start by teaching our children how to lie. We should teach them how to lie convincingly, how to lie politely, and how to lie for good purposes. We should also teach them how to recognize lies, so that they can protect themselves from being deceived. If we can teach our children how to lie, we can help to revive the art of lying and restore trust and civility to our society.

Thank you for listening.

On the Decay of the Art of Lying

by Mark Twain

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	84 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	28 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	318 pages
Item Weight	:	12.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.49 x 9 inches
Paperback	:	193 pages

FREE