QuoteProject
O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!
Walter Scott
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Deception leads to complexity and complications in life.

This quote by Walter Scott highlights the idea that when people begin to deceive, they create intricate problems for themselves. The metaphor of a 'tangled web' suggests that lies and dishonesty can trap individuals, making situations far more complex than they need to be, ultimately leading to negative consequences.

Themes

DeceptionHonestyConsequencesComplexityTruth

In practice

Example use cases

This quote is perfect to use during a discussion about the importance of honesty in relationships.

More from Walter Scott

Blessed be his name, who hath appointed the quiet night to follow the busy day, and the calm sleep to refresh the wearied limbs and to compose the troubled spirit.
Walter ScottRead
Is death the last sleep? No, it is the last and final awakening.
Walter ScottRead
There is a vulgar incredulity, which in historical matters, as well as in those of religion, finds it easier to doubt than to examine.
Walter ScottRead
Love rules the court, the camp, the grove, And men below, and saints above: For love is heaven, and heaven is love.
Walter ScottRead
Where shall the lover rest,_x000D_ _x000D_ Whom the fates sever_x000D_ _x000D_ From his true maiden's breast,_x000D_ _x000D_ Parted for ever?_x000D_ _x000D_ Where, through groves deep and high,_x000D_ _x000D_ Sounds the far billow,_x000D_ _x000D_ Where early violets die,_x000D_ _x000D_ Under the willow.
Walter ScottRead
On his bold visage middle age Had slightly press'd its signet sage, Yet had not quench'd the open truth And fiery vehemence of youth: Forward and frolic glee was there, The will to do, the soul to dare.
Walter ScottRead

Similar quotes

Neglect of duty does not cease, by repetition, to be neglect of duty.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
Light the incense! You have to burn to be fragrant.
RumiRead
None deserve praise for being good who have not the spirit to be bad: goodness, for the most part, is nothing but indolence or weakness of will.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
When her muzzle grew more white than brown, the chipmunk forgot that she and the squirrel had had nothing to talk about. She forgot the definition of "jazz" as well and came to think of it as every beautiful thing she had ever failed to appreciate: the taste of warm rain; the smell of a baby; the din of a swollen river, rushing past her tree and onward to infinity.
David SedarisRead
Convince yourself that you are working in clay, not marble, on paper not eternal bronze: Let that first sentence be as stupid as it wishes.
Jacques BarzunRead
Knowledge is happiness, because to have knowledge - broad, deep knowledge - is to know true ends from false, and lofty things from low.
Helen KellerRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.