day no. 17,294: good stories and bad lies

“A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author.” — G. K. Chesterton

A good story gives us insight into the nature of heroism, a bad story gives us insight into the nature of despotism. There are few things more glorious than a good virtue admired well and there are few things more ugly than a bad vice poorly concealed.

2 Corinthians 13:8

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

Those who seek to laud the truth weave brilliant yarns, while those who try to justify a lie tell lame tales.

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Good author tell good stories about others, bad authors tell bad stories about themselves. Instead of telling a story, the bad author tells on himself.