On the whole, lying is a cheerful affair. Embellishments are intended to give pleasure. People long to tell you what they imagine you want to hear. They want to amuse you; they want to amuse themselves; they want to show you a good time. This is beyond hospitality. This is art.

Summary

This quote expresses the idea that lying, or telling embellished stories, is often seen as a pleasant and enjoyable activity. The motive behind these lies is not solely to deceive, but to provide pleasure to others and oneself. It highlights the desire to entertain, amuse, and create a positive experience for others, even if the stories told may not be completely truthful. The quote goes beyond the concept of hospitality and portrays lying as a form of artistic expression, suggesting that there can be a certain creative sophistication in the art of storytelling.

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