On the Decay of the Art of Lying
Lying is universal—we all do it. Therefore, the wise thing is for us diligently to train ourselves to lie thoughtfully, judiciously; to lie with a good object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely, not cruelly, hurtfully, maliciously; to lie gracefully and graciously, not awkward
... See moreMark Twain • On the Decay of the Art of Lying
An awkward, unscientific lie is often as ineffectual as the truth.