holy lie, n.All

A Holy lie (n.) is ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠the lie permitted for pious ends — and philosophers who would direct mankind at once claim the right to it, Plato before all.

A Holy lie (n.) originates ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠in the will to power: the priest, lacking physical or military power, makes the lie a supplement to power — a new concept of "truth."

The Holy lie (n.) that ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠became famous is Arria's dying 'Paete, it does not hurt', which darkens all the truths ever spoken by the dying; otherwise the odour of sanctity clings only to errors.