Single Idea 19574

[catalogued under 3. Truth / A. Truth Problems / 3. Value of Truth]

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.