H. L. Mencken Quotes

I am not convinced the truth can make men free, but I believe it a beginning.

Being honest with the public is how they respect you.

True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what's right.

Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth; when perfect sincerity is expected, perfect freedom must be allowed; nor has anyone who is apt to be angry when he hears the truth any cause to wonder that he does not hear it.

Search for the truth is the noblest occupation of man; its publication is a duty.

If everyone's just saying what they feel and doing whatever they want, there's no drama in the world. And there's also no truth to it, 'cause that's just not the truth.

I speak the truth not so much as I would, but as much as I dare, and I dare a little more as I grow older.

Honesty allows us to live with not knowing. We do not know the full story; we do not know where we are in the story. We do not know who, ultimately, is at fault or who will carry the blame in the end.

Transparency is key to reciprocal accountability, which we use to be both free and smart. It is the miracle tool that enables us to question the lies of monsters.

I don't speak out of place, but if you ask me, I will definitely speak the truth. Also, my opinion is my opinion. I don't feel the need to force anybody to agree or disagree with me. But if you ask me, I do feel it's important to speak with confidence about my feelings about whatever the questions are.

I have always said I will try to answer questions honestly. I don't want to change that about myself. I think people appreciate that about me.

The best mind-altering drug is the truth.

I think the currency of leadership is transparency. You've got to be truthful. I don't think you should be vulnerable every day, but there are moments where you've got to share your soul and conscience with people and show them who you are, and not be afraid of it.

The free man cannot be long an ignorant man.

I refuse to lie to children.

I don't want any yes-men around me. I want everybody to tell me the truth even if it costs them their job.

Well, the truth is always what should be told. And the truth and the knowledge of the truth is what everybody should represent, regardless of the consequences of doing it.

To free a person from error is to give, and not to take away.

Democracy is not simply a question of structures. It is a state of mind. It is an activity. And part of that activity is honesty.

The truth is cruel, but it can be loved, and it makes free those who have loved it.

I have been given the authority over you, and I am not the best of you. If I do well, help me; and if I do wrong, set me right. Sincere regard for truth.

I would seriously question whether anybody is really foolish enough to really say what they mean. Sometimes I think that civilization as we know it would kind of break down if we all were completely honest.

When a woman tells the truth she is creating the possibility for more truth around her.

It is not who is right, but what is right, that is of importance.

I think there's a certain level of trust that I have with women. I've always been honest, even when I haven't had good times in my life or my movie bombed or I've had great success. I've owned up to all of it.