From Geoffrey Pyke (23 July 1936)

6 GORDON SQUARE
W.C.I.

23rd July, 1936

Dear Dr. Polanyi,

This page contains question(s)
that we should discuss
in the Talk Page!

I am most grateful to you for all the trouble you have taken about this matter.

I have come across the quotation, reproduced by the Friends of Europe which is approximatively what I had in mind and which I reproduce here in case anyone ever asks you the same question again.

“One acted on the very correct principle that the size of the lie is a definite factor in causing it to be believed, for the vast masses of a nation are in the depths of their hearts more easily deceived than they are consciously and intentionally bad. The primitive simplicity of their minds renders them a more easy prey to a big lie than a small one, for they themselves often tell little lies but would be ashamed to tell big ones. Such a form of lying would never enter their heads. They would never credit to others the possibility of such great impudence as the complete reversal of facts by others. Something therefore always remains and sticks from the most impudent lies, a fact which all bodies and individuals concerned in the art of lying in this world know only too well, and hence they stop at nothing to achieve this end.”

With many thanks once more,

Yours sincerely,

Geoffrey Pyke

Dr. Polanyi
72 West End Lane,
N.W.6.

Letter Informations

Reference:
KPA: 47/08, 10