The subtle casuistry of Johnson’s reply in this dialog from Boswell’s
“Life of Johnson” would excuse any amount of lying, if it were only in
the interest of one’s profession.
Boswell--“But, sir, does not affecting a warmth when you have
no warmth, and appearing to be clearly of one opinion, when you
are, in reality, of another opinion--does not such dissimulation
impair one’s honesty? Is there not some danger that a lawyer may
put on the same mask in common life, in the intercourse with
his friends?” Johnson--“Why, no, sir. Everybody knows you are
paid for affecting warmth for your client; and it is, therefore,
properly no dissimulation; the moment you come from the bar you
resume your usual behavior. Sir, a man will no more carry the
artifice of the bar into the common intercourse of society than
a man who is paid for tumbling upon his hands will continue
to tumble upon his hands when he should walk upon his feet.”
(Text.)--CROAKE JAMES, “Curiosities of Law and Lawyers.”
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