Full Idea
Man has his being in truth - if he sacrifices truth he sacrifices himself. Whoever betrays truth betrays himself. It is not a question of lying - but of acting against one's conviction.
Gist of Idea
If man sacrifices truth he sacrifices himself, by acting against his own convictions
Source
Novalis (Miscellaneous Observations [1798], 038)
Book Reference
Novalis: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Stoljar,M.M. [SUNY 1997], p.29
A Reaction
Does he condone lying here, as long as you don't believe the lie? We would call it loss of integrity.