Samuel Johnson Quotes

A single lie destroys a whole reputation of integrity.

It’s better to be quotable than to be honest.

The character and repute of President Kennedy constitute one of our greatest national resources. Nothing should be done to jeopardize this invaluable asset. When lies must be told, they should be told by subordinate officials.

One man lies in his words, and gets a bad reputation; another in his manners, and enjoys a good one.

I am amazed about how everyone wants to know about my love life. They whisper to me, 'Tell me the truth? Is it true?' Who cares? Because we have this job, we are to say to everybody what we do, or with whom we sleep? It's a bit absurd, but that's why everybody lies so much.

Keep up appearances; there lies the test. The world will give thee credit for the rest.

Society can exist only on the basis that there is some amount of polished lying and that no one says exactly what he thinks.

You mustn't always believe what I say. Questions tempt you to tell lies, particularly when there is no answer.

Liars sometimes tell the truth; they don’t tell lies all the time.

Our aversion to lying is commonly a secret ambition to make what we say considerable, and have every word received with a religious respect.

I tell the truth where it's the ethical thing to do, but in terms of entertainment, there's a certain fun and enjoyment that can be added to the experience by a few judicious lies.

You become uneasy with people in direct proportion to how many lies you have to keep track of in their presence.

Never chase a lie. Let it alone, and it will run itself to death. I can work out a good character much faster than anyone can lie me out of it

I don't care what anybody says about me as long as it isn't true.

I don't like being lied to, so I only lie about the stupid things. White lies, basically.

It is often wise to reveal that which cannot be concealed for long.

No one lies so boldly as the man who is indignant.

I'm a pretty bad liar, and I'm not very good at keeping secrets.

Scientifically speaking, if I say something, or it gets misquoted, or people put a spin on it... I mean, are you interested, really, in what people are saying?

So near is falsehood to truth that a wise man would do well not to trust himself on the narrow edge.

Like many people, I have a fascination with lies and the people who tell them. I wouldn't say I've never told a lie, but I don't think I've ever told one without both assuming I would be found out and feeling absolutely rotten about it.

'Tis not enough your counsel still be true; Blunt truths more mischief than nice falsehoods do.

Early on I decided that I was going to lie to the press. The best approach to talking about my personal life was to lie.

If you want to be thought a liar, always tell the truth.

If I've learned one thing, it's 'don't tell the truth.' Lies keep you together.