William Hazlitt Quote

Our opinions are not our own, but in the power of sympathy. If a person tells us a palpable falsehood, we not only dare not contradict him, but we dare hardly disbelieve him to his face. A lie boldly uttered has the effect of truth for the instant.

Characteristics: in the manner of Rochefoucault's Maxims [by W. Hazlitt]. (ed. 1837)