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On the Decay of the Art of Lying cover

On the Decay of the Art of Lying

The essay argues that lying is a cultivated social art that has declined into clumsy, injudicious practice; the author defends courteous and charitable lies as useful and even moral, contrasts them with harmful truths and injurious lies, and urges more careful, intelligent lying. He surveys philosophical observations that adults habitually deflect truth, presents examples of commonplace social deceptions and the silent lie of omission, and recounts an anecdote about a woman who insists she never lies to show how people commonly deceive by omission. He concludes that improving the technique of lying would spare unnecessary pain and better serve social harmony.

By Mark Twain
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American LiteratureEssays, Letters & SpeechesHumour

About This Book

The essay argues that lying is a cultivated social art that has declined into clumsy, injudicious practice; the author defends courteous and charitable lies as useful and even moral, contrasts them with harmful truths and injurious lies, and urges more careful, intelligent lying. He surveys philosophical observations that adults habitually deflect truth, presents examples of commonplace social deceptions and the silent lie of omission, and recounts an anecdote about a woman who insists she never lies to show how people commonly deceive by omission. He concludes that improving the technique of lying would spare unnecessary pain and better serve social harmony.

About the Author

Twain, Mark portrait

Mark Twain

Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was an American author and humorist known for his sharp wit and keen observations of human nature. Born in 1835, he gained fame with works that often explored themes of race, identity, and society in America. His most notable novel, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," is celebrated for its innovative narrative style and profound social commentary. Twain's other significant work, "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," showcases his satirical take on the clash between modernity and medievalism. His legacy endures as a cornerstone of American literature, influencing countless writers and shaping the literary landscape.

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