The prevarication and white lies which a mind that keeps itself ambitiously pure is as uneasy under as a great artist under the false touches that no eye detects but his own, are worn as lightly as mere trimming when once the actions have become a lie.

Summary

This quote suggests that individuals who strive to maintain a virtuous and honest mindset are often burdened by the temptation to engage in small acts of deception or exaggeration. Just as an artist detests insincere details in their work, those with pure intentions are deeply bothered by even the subtlest forms of dishonesty. However, once these individuals commit to larger acts of deceit, the weight of their dishonesty becomes markedly heavier, making it harder to hide behind superficial justifications or minor falsehoods.

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