1

In a couple of books and articles I've come across an adage, “the first liar is always believed most”:

Now, I talked to the captain first, but I want you to know that great old saying, “The first liar gets believed”, does not apply with me. I listen to everybody the same.
—Poyer, David. The Gulf, p. 322.*

And while I agree the digital age gives you additional options for setting the record straight or refuting allegations, there’s another old adage I heard once that seems to be true as well: “the first liar is always believed most.”
—Barrett, John. Comment section, “Is It a Better Time Than Ever to Pick Fights With the Press?”, Mr. Media Training Blog.

Where did this originate?

* Quotation verified using Amazon’s search inside this book feature, search text [ first liar ].

Improve this question
6
  • what did a google search tell you? – Mitch Jun 21 '13 at 13:30
  • @Mitch Not very much. A couple of people cite it, but generally I get the Christian adage that "the first liar always loses." – Bruce James Jun 21 '13 at 13:45
  • 2
    Can you give us a quote for that? It is an awfully clumsy sentence. Are you sure it was not the first liar is always the most believed or similar? – terdon Jun 21 '13 at 15:34
  • @terdon -- I took your advice. See edits. – Bruce James Jun 24 '13 at 20:55
  • I edited to include excerpts in the question. This is helpful because of link rot. – MetaEd Jun 24 '13 at 22:35
2

The First Liar Wins: You must be referring to the FLW Rule.

FLW is in effect whenever a conversational combatant asserts a fact, evidence, or conclusion that is (1) simply stated; (2) superficially plausible; and (3) emotionally appealing.

Bob Lewis writes further on InfoWorld:

It works because once uttered — and because they are simple, plausible, and appealing — any attempt to refute them sounds argumentative rather than constructive.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.