Never chase a lie. Let it alone, and it will run itself to death.

"Never chase a lie. Let it alone, and it will run itself to death." These words from Lyman Beecher carry within them the profound wisdom of the ancients: that lies, like shadows, cannot sustain themselves when exposed to the light of truth. In the end, the lie will unravel, for truth is a force that is far more enduring. To chase after falsehoods, to engage with them, is to give them strength—strength that they do not possess on their own. Instead, the wise person knows that patience, restraint, and the courage to stand in truth will cause the lie to fade, wither, and die.

In ancient cultures, there was an understanding that deception could be a powerful tool, but it was also a fragile one. In the Greek myths, we see how even the gods themselves were often embroiled in webs of deceit and trickery, but their falsehoods never endured. Prometheus, who defied Zeus and brought fire to humanity, knew well that lies and trickery would only cause suffering in the end. He himself endured immense suffering for his defiance, yet it was his sacrifice and truth that ultimately endured. He understood the transitory nature of lies, and it was through his persistence in truth that humanity was ultimately empowered.

Consider the tragic story of Socrates, the great philosopher, who was unjustly condemned to death by the people of Athens for spreading his ideas. His accusers resorted to lies and falsehoods, accusing him of corrupting the youth and questioning the gods. Socrates, in his wisdom, did not chase the lies. He did not attempt to disprove the charges with anger or force, for he understood that the truth of his life and teachings would endure far beyond the momentary judgment of the Athenian court. The lie, though it took his life, could never silence his voice. In the end, it was truth that triumphed, and Socrates remains one of the most revered figures in philosophy.

Truth, like a mighty river, cannot be dammed forever. When we try to fight against the flow of falsehood, we only fuel its power. George Washington, in his own life, demonstrated the importance of not chasing after lies. During his presidency, many false rumors circulated about his actions, especially in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War. Yet Washington, a man of quiet dignity and strength, did not waste his time battling every slander. Instead, he continued with his work, knowing that time and truth would eventually reveal the sincerity of his character and the nobility of his actions. His legacy remains unmarred by the whispers of lies, for they could not withstand the passage of time.

When we chase a lie, we become entangled in a struggle that we cannot win. The more we engage with falsehood, the more we allow it to grow. It is not through confrontation that lies are destroyed, but through inaction and truth. As the ancient wisdom tells us, a lie is like a flame that burns brightly at first but quickly consumes itself. The more we resist the temptation to chase after lies, the more they will burn themselves out. The power of truth is such that, in the end, it requires no defense; it is self-evident and eternal.

The lesson here is both powerful and clear: do not waste your time and energy chasing after that which is false. Patience, restraint, and a steadfast commitment to truth are the tools that will see you through the storm of deception. Let the lie run itself to death, for in its unraveling, it will reveal its own weakness. Instead of pursuing the falsehood, let it wither in the light of your unwavering truth. You do not need to fight every battle, for some battles will be won simply by standing firm in your convictions.

In our own lives, let us take this wisdom to heart. When faced with falsehoods—whether in personal relationships, at work, or in the public sphere—let us not be drawn into the futile chase. Trust in the strength of truth. Let the lie alone, and it will expose itself for what it is. As the ancient philosophers taught, truth is the foundation upon which all things rest, and it cannot be overthrown. In the end, we do not need to fight for the truth; we simply need to allow it to stand. The lie will exhaust itself, and the truth will endure.