The quote “Lying about things large and small has become so accepted by so many that they even lie about lying” essentially means that dishonesty has become so ingrained in our society that people are not only lying about various things, but they are also lying about the act of lying itself. In other words, they are denying the fact that they are being dishonest, which is a deeper level of deceit.

The quote speaks to a culture of untruth, where dishonesty has been normalised to the point that it’s not only accepted, but expected. This could be in our personal relationships, in business, in politics, and even in our relationship with ourselves. The lies can range from small white lies to significant deceptions that impact lives and relationships.

Applying this idea to today’s world, it could be argued that we live in a ‘post-truth’ era where objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief. This can be seen in the spread of fake news and misinformation, and the way some politicians and businesses manipulate facts to suit their own agendas.

In terms of personal development, this quote could be a call to cultivate honesty and integrity. It suggests that we should strive to be truthful, not only in our interactions with others but also with ourselves. This means acknowledging our flaws, owning up to our mistakes, and striving to improve. It’s about creating a personal culture of truth, where we value honesty over deceit, even when the truth is uncomfortable or inconvenient.

Furthermore, it’s about recognising the impact of our lies on others and on society as a whole. Every lie contributes to this culture of dishonesty, and it’s only by choosing truth that we can start to change this. It’s a reminder that honesty isn’t just a personal virtue, but a social responsibility.