On the Decay of the Art of Lying
Argues lying is a neglected art that deserves cultivation; the judicious lie is a mercy; 'the truth is not hard to kill but a lie well told is immortal'
Argues lying is a neglected art that deserves cultivation; the judicious lie is a mercy; 'the truth is not hard to kill but a lie well told is immortal'
Twain's argument that radical honesty is crueler than gentle deception. The case for tact, dressed as comedy.
Key themes: Truth, lying, social lubrication, mercy, honesty's limits