On the Decay of the Art of Lying

On the Decay of the Art of Lying

The work critiques the decline of the skill involved in lying, distinguishing between the necessity of lying as a human trait and the degradation of its practice. The author argues that while lying is an eternal aspect of human interaction, the finesse and artistry associated with it have diminished. The text suggests that lying, when executed with care and intention, serves a noble purpose, often providing comfort and avoiding unnecessary harm. The author emphasizes that truth-telling, while often regarded as virtuous, can lead to discomfort and pain, and that habitual truth-tellers are unrealistic. The narrative illustrates various social scenarios where polite deception is preferable to blunt honesty, arguing that such lies are often rooted in kindness and social grace. The author recounts anecdotes to demonstrate how well-intentioned lies can prevent emotional distress and foster social harmony. The text also critiques the notion of "silent lies," where omission of truth is equated with dishonesty. It advocates for a more sophisticated understanding of lying, suggesting that the ability to lie judiciously should be cultivated and taught. The author posits that lies should be employed for the benefit of others, promoting a vision of lying as an art form that, when practiced skillfully, can enhance human relationships and societal interactions. Ultimately, the work calls for a reevaluation of the role of lying in society, encouraging a shift away from the harshness of unvarnished truth towards a more compassionate and artful approach to communication. The author concludes that the cultivation of this art is essential for a more harmonious existence, urging readers to embrace the complexities of human interaction with a thoughtful and benevolent approach to deception.

By Mark Twain · First published 1880 · Genre: Satire, Philosophical Essay, Humor · 2,614 words

First lines

Observe, I do not mean to suggest that the _custom_ of lying has suffered any decay or interruption -- no, for the Lie, as a Virtue, A Principle, is eternal; the Lie, as a recreation, a solace, a refuge in time of need, the fourth Grace, the tenth Muse, man's best and surest friend, is immortal, and cannot perish from the earth while this club remains. My complaint simply concerns the decay of the _art_ of lying. No high-minded man, no man of right feeling, can contemplate the lumbering and slovenly lying of the present day without grieving to see a noble art so prostituted. In this veteran presence I naturally enter upon this theme with diffidence; it is like an old maid trying to teach nursery matters to the mothers in Israel. It would not become to me to criticise you, gentlemen -- who are nearly all my elders -- and my superiors, in this thing -- if I should here and there _seem_ to do it, I trust it will in most cases be more in a spirit of admiration than fault-finding; indeed if this finest of the fine arts had everywhere received the attention, the encouragement, and conscientious practice and development which this club has devoted to it, I should not need to utter this lament, or shed a single tear. I do not say this to flatter: I say it in a spirit of just and appreciative recognition. [It had been my intention, at this point, to mention names and to give illustrative specimens, but indications observable about me admonished me to beware of the particulars and confine myself to generalities.]

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On the Decay of the Art of Lying is listed on Textopian as an essay by Mark Twain, dated 1880 CE.

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Satire · Social Commentary · Philosophy · Humor · Critique · Lying · Deception · Morality · Ethics · Society · Culture · Human Nature

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