Strong Words

By a lie, a man… annihilates his dignity as a man. – Immanuel Kant

but

Truly, to tell lies is not honorable;
but when the truth entails tremendous ruin,
To speak dishonorably is pardonable.

Sophokles

and

Lying increases the creative faculties, expands the ego, and lessens the frictions of social contacts.

Clare Booth Luce

and

People do not believe lies because they have to, but because they want to.

Malcolm Muggeridge

plus

He who speaks the truth must have one foot in the stirrup.

Armenian proverb

and, last but not least

The world desires to be deceived; therefore it is

Petronius (?)