The child who defines a lie as being a naughty word knows perfectly well that lying consists in not speaking the truth. He is not, therefore, mistaking one thing for another, he is simply identifying them one with another by what seems to us a quaint extension of the word lie.

Summary

This quote suggests that a child's understanding of lying is straightforward and logical. From their perspective, they view lying as simply not telling the truth, without confusing it with other concepts. The quote highlights the child's ability to equate lying with not speaking the truth, even if they use the term "naughty word" to describe lying. It implies that children's innocent and simplistic perception helps them create connections we may find unusual, but it ultimately aligns with the truth.

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