It is a principle of diplomacy that one must know something of the truth in order to lie convincingly.

You have to have the facts before you can pervert them.

We know that they are lying, they know that they are lying, they even know that we know they are lying, we also know that they know we know they are lying too, they of course know that we certainly know they know we know they are lying too as well, but they are still lying. In our country, the lie has become not just moral category, but the pillar industry of this country.

lies are the first recognition of truth. (p45)

Lies require commitment.

There is no lie that does not have at its core some truth. One must only know how to listen.

Truth can remain silent. Lies must be spoken.

For us to maintain our way of living, we must tell lies to each other and especially to ourselves. The lies are necessary because, without them, many deplorable acts would become impossibilities.

Tell me anyway — Maybe I can find the truth by comparing the lies.

Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well.

Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well.

To get to know a truth properly, one must polemicize it.

Some truths did not bear saying, and some lies were necessary.

Before you can lie to another, you must first lie to yourself.