An autobiography is only to be trusted when it reveals something disgraceful. A man who gives a good account of himself is probably lying, since any life when viewed from the inside is simply a series of defeats.

Summary

This quote suggests that an autobiography can only be considered genuine and trustworthy when the author reveals their own flaws and shameful experiences. It argues that if someone paints themselves in a positive light, it is likely that they are lying because an authentic life, when examined internally, is filled with failures and setbacks. The quote challenges the notion that individuals can present an exclusively triumphant narrative of their lives and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and honesty in autobiographical storytelling.