You might hold an ethical position that it's wrong to lie, but if you have plans for a war in Iraq, and you want to keep them secret for practical reasons - to reduce casualties, perhaps - and someone asks you about those plans, you may need to lie for a 'good' outcome.

Summary

This quote highlights the moral dilemma one faces when ethics clash with practical considerations. It suggests that although someone may believe that lying is inherently wrong, there are situations, such as planning for a war to minimize casualties, where lying might be justified for the greater good. It raises questions about the subjective nature of ethics and the complex decisions individuals have to make when confronted with conflicting values and outcomes.

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