In this sense, truth, even if it does not prevail in public, possesses an ineradicable primacy over all falsehoods.
Meaning
In her essay on political lying, Arendt notes that falsehoods can win attention yet never replace what actually happened. Truth keeps its standing even when ignored. Apply it by telling accurate things calmly, even when a comfortable lie would be more popular in the room.
Source: Crises of the Republic (1969), "Lying in Politics"
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About the author
(1906–1975) was a German-American political theorist known for her analysis of totalitarianism, authority, and power. Her works, including "The Origins of Totalitarianism," explore the nature of political systems and human behavior. Arendt introduced the concept of the ‘banality of evil,’ examining how ordinary individuals can participate in harmful systems. Her writing combines philosophical depth with historical analysis. Hannah Arendt’s ideas continue to influence political theory and discussions on ethics and governance.
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