“You don’t tell deliberate lies, but sometimes you have to be evasive.”
- October 13, 1925 – April 8, 2013
- British
- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Politician, “The Iron Lady”
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Quote
“You don’t tell deliberate lies, but sometimes you have to be evasive.”
Explanation
In this quote, Margaret Thatcher makes a nuanced distinction between deception and strategic communication. She asserts a commitment to truthfulness, rejecting the act of telling outright lies. However, she also acknowledges that in politics, complete transparency isn’t always possible, and that evasion—carefully choosing what to say or not say—can be necessary to protect sensitive information, manage diplomacy, or maintain strategic advantage.
This reflects Thatcher’s pragmatic approach to leadership, where honesty was valued, but so too was the need for discretion in complex political and international affairs. As a head of government during volatile periods—such as the Cold War and the Falklands War—she likely faced situations where revealing everything could compromise negotiations, security, or public confidence. Evasiveness in such contexts is presented not as dishonesty, but as an essential part of responsible leadership.
Today, the quote opens an important conversation about the ethics of political communication. While transparency is a democratic ideal, Thatcher’s words recognize that governing often involves navigating competing truths and responsibilities. Her statement invites us to consider the difference between manipulation and measured silence, and the reality that integrity in leadership sometimes lies in what is wisely withheld, not just what is plainly stated.
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