Quote by Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, chapte

All this was inspired by the principle--which is quite true in itself--that in the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always more easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie, since they themselves often tell small lies in little matters but would be ashamed to resort to large-scale falsehoods. It would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously. Even though the facts which prove this to be so may be brought clearly to their minds, they will still doubt and waver and will continue to think that there may be some other explanation. For the grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down, a fact which is known to all expert liars in this world and to all who conspire together in the art of lying. These people know only too well how to use falsehood for the basest purposes.

Summary

This quote, often attributed to Adolf Hitler, explores the notion that a big lie has more credibility than a small one because people tend to be more easily manipulated in their emotions than in their conscious thoughts. According to the quote, the masses are more likely to be deceived by a grand fabrication, as they often tell small lies themselves and assume others would not have the audacity to distort the truth so extensively. Even when presented with evidence contradicting the big lie, doubts and alternative explanations may persist. The quote suggests that expert liars and conspirators understand the power of falsehood and exploit it for their own agendas.