Quote by Thomas Paine

It is impossible to calculate the moral mischief, if I may so express it, that mental lying has produced in society. When a man has so far corrupted and prostituted the chastity of his mind as to subscribe his professional belief to things he does not believe he has prepared himself for the commission of every other crime.

It is impossible to calculate the moral mischief, if I may s

Summary

This quote suggests that the act of lying to oneself or others about one's beliefs can have a profound negative impact on society. By compromising the integrity of one's mind and subscribing to beliefs that one does not truly hold, it opens the door to a myriad of moral transgressions. This decay of honesty and intellectual integrity can lead individuals to commit various other crimes or unethical actions. Therefore, the quote urges against engaging in mental lying, highlighting its potential consequences for both individuals and the broader community.

Topics

Hypocrisy

By Thomas Paine

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