The Abolition of Man

‘A sacrifice is obliterated by a lie and the merit of alms by an act of fraud.’ (Hindu. Janet, i. 6.)

‘Whose mouth, full of lying, avails not before thee: thou burnest their utterance.’ (Babylonian. Hymn to Samaš. ERE v. 445.)

‘With his mouth was he full of Yea, in his heart full of Nay?’ (Babylonian. ERE v. 446.)

‘I have not spoken falsehood.’ (Ancient Egyptian. Confession of Righteous Soul. ERE v. 478.)

‘I sought no trickery, nor swore false oaths.’ (Anglo-Saxon. Beowulf, 2738.)

‘The Master said, Be of unwavering good faith.’ (Ancient Chinese. Analects, viii. 13.)

‘In Nástrond (= Hell) I saw the perjurers.’ (Old Norse. Volospá 39.)

‘Hateful to me as are the gates of Hades is that man who says one thing, and hides another in his heart.’ (Greek. Homer. Iliad, ix. 312.)

‘The foundation of justice is good faith.’ (Roman. Cicero, De Off. I. vii.)

‘[The gentleman] must learn to be faithful to his superiors and to keep promises.’ (Ancient Chinese. Analects, I. 8.)

‘Anything is better than treachery.’ (Old Norse. Hávamál 124.)