When I have one martini, I feel bigger, wiser, taller. When I have a second, I feel superlative. When I have more, there's no holding me.
William FaulknerRead
And even a liar can be scared into telling the truth, same as honest man can be tortured into telling a lie.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Truth and deceit can be influenced by external pressures, regardless of one's nature.
This quote by William Faulkner highlights the complex relationship between truth and honesty, suggesting that both liars and honest people can be compelled to change their responses under duress. It underscores the idea that circumstances and pressure can distort the fundamental character of individuals, revealing that truthfulness is not merely a matter of intrinsic honesty but can also be affected by context and situation.
Themes
TruthLiePressureHonestyDeceit
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions about the ethical implications of truth-telling in extreme situations.
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Ever since then I have believed that God is not only a gentleman and a sport; he is a Kentuckian too.
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