“Part of the test,” said Sillain, “is seeing how well you obey orders.” “Then I fail,” said John Paul. - Orson Scott Card

When both parties are lying and they both know the other party's lying, it comes powerful close to being the same thing as telling the truth.

You as stupid as they come. Of course, I say this with your best interests at heart. Most people are stupid. I don't hold it against them.

Money only buys the illusion of power. Real power is in the force of will — will strong enough that others bend to it for its own sake, and follow it willingly. Power that is won through deception will evaporate under the hot light of truth.