Prevarication, like honesty, is reflexive, and soon becomes a sturdy habit, as reliable as truth.

Prevarication, like honesty, is reflexive, and soon becomes a sturdy habit, as reliable as truth.

Norman Mailer

This quote suggests that prevarication, or lying, is just as instinctive as honesty. Like any other habit, it’s something that can be developed over time and become a reliable response to certain situations. The comparison to truth here implies that lies can become so ingrained in someone’s behavior that thay seem as reliable or consistent as the truth.

The phrase “as reliable as truth” also carries an ironic undertone. Truth is often considered absolute and unshakeable; however, when lying becomes a habit, it can appear just as solid and dependable – at least to the person who lies.

In today’s world of social media and virtual interactions where people frequently enough present idealized versions of themselves, this idea holds notable relevance. It becomes easier for individuals to lie about aspects of their lives without immediate consequences. Over time, these fabrications might become so habitual that they start feeling like the ‘truth’ to the person telling them.

From a personal development perspective, this quote serves as a cautionary note on how habits are formed – not only good ones but potentially harmful ones too. It illustrates how easily one can fall into patterns of dishonesty if not consciously checked and corrected.

In essence, whether we choose honesty or prevarication consistently will eventually shape our character and define us in profound ways – either positively or negatively – underscoring the importance of conscious decision-making in our everyday actions.

People often ask:
How can we cultivate habits that promote honesty in our daily lives?
In what ways do our choices between truth and deception shape our identity over time?
What strategies can we implement to consciously recognize and break patterns of dishonesty?

Created with ❤️ | ©2025 HiveHarbor | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer| Imprint | Opt-out Preferences

 

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?