We call those poets who are first to mark, Through earth's dull mist the coming of the dawn, Who see in twilight's gloom the first pale spark, While others only note that day is gone.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Lies serve as a fundamental tool that enables a variety of wrongdoings.
This quote suggests that while there are various means to commit sins or wrong acts, deception constitutes a universal instrument that can facilitate all of them. By emphasizing the role of lies as a handle, it implies that dishonesty is often the gateway to more significant moral failures, proving that the act of lying can lead to a broader spectrum of unethical behavior.
Themes
LieSinDeceptionTruthMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about honesty, one could reference this quote to emphasize the dangers of deceit.
More from Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
All quotes βEvery real thought on every real subject knocks the wind out of somebody or other.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
The very aim and end of our institutions is just this: that we may think what we like and say what we think.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
Don't you stay at home of evenings? Don't you love a cushioned seat in a corner, by the fireside, with your slippers on your feet?
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
Take your needle, my child, and work at your pattern; it will come out a rose by and by. Life is like that - one stitch at a time taken patiently and the pattern will come out all right like the embroidery.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
Do not be bullied out of your common sense by the specialist; two to one, he is a pedant.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
Similar quotes
In our world, we have this huge focus on vicarious living - politicians, movie stars, athletes, coaches, all these people. What our research has shown very clearly is that people who are really happier and have more meaningful lives are people that focus on living their own lives.
Marshall GoldsmithRead
We should not bear it with bad grace if the answer to our prayer is long delayed. Rather, let us, because of this, show great patience and resignation. For He delays for this reason: that we may offer Him a fitting occasion of honoring us through His divine providence.
Saint John ChrysostomRead
If I could define enlightenment briefly I would say it is 'the quiet acceptance of what is'.
Wayne DyerRead
I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that every-thing will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.
Anne FrankRead
I'm used to people with very high IQs knowing how to recognize reality, but there's a huge human tendency where it may be instructive to think that whatever you're doing to succeed is all right.
Charlie MungerRead
Often, we feel helpless in lots of situations in our lives. The way anger gets a grip on us is it seems to be a way to extricate ourselves from helplessness.
Martha NussbaumRead