On the Decay of the Art of Lying - Featured Review

On the Decay of the Art of Lying by Mark Twain Genres: Classic, Nonfiction

     This is a short essay written by Mark Twain that gives one plenty of food for thought. He isn't implying that people are becoming more truthful, wouldn't that be nice? Twain reflects that people are becoming less artful in their deceptions.

     While theorizing that everyone lies he suggests that a well placed lie can do wonders. Everyone has been in this position ... No, that dress doesn't make your butt look big. Yes, I love your new haircut. Oh sweetie, that is the best drawing of a dog/cow/horse (I have no clue what it was supposed to be) that I have ever seen.

     Twain even goes so far as to say that a hurtful truth is as repugnant as telling a hurtful lie. Definitely an interesting article that is worth reading, especially as it is fairly short and quick.

I give it 3 stars.