A lie with a purpose is one of the worst kind, and the most profitable

A lie with a purpose is one of the worst kind, and the most profitable

Finley Peter Dunne, an American humorist and journalist, is best known for his creation of the fictional character Mr. Dooley, an Irish-American bartender who offered humorous and satirical commentary on politics and society. One of Dunne's most famous quotes is, "A lie with a purpose is one of the worst kind, and the most profitable."

This quote speaks to the idea that lies can be used for a variety of purposes, some of which are more harmful than others. When a lie is told with a specific purpose in mind, such as to deceive or manipulate others, it can have far-reaching consequences and be incredibly damaging. In the context of Dunne's work, this quote can be seen as a commentary on the power of propaganda and misinformation in shaping public opinion.

Dunne was writing during a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States, and his work often reflected the tensions and divisions of the era. He understood the power of language and rhetoric in shaping public discourse, and he used his platform to critique those who used lies and deceit for personal or political gain.