hardlogic

If I say, "Everything I tell you is a lie", am I telling you the truth or a lie?

A paradox. If the statement is true it must also be a lie which it cannot be.

Why this works

This riddle presents a classic paradox known as the "liar paradox." If the speaker's statement "Everything I tell you is a lie" is true, then they are indeed lying, which contradicts their claim of truth. Conversely, if the statement is a lie, then not everything they say is a lie, suggesting that at least some of what they say could be true. This creates a loop of contradictions, demonstrating how language and truth can become entangled in fascinating ways!

Common Wrong Answers

“It's true”

If the statement is true, then the speaker is lying, creating a contradiction.

“It's a lie”

If it's a lie, then the statement that everything they say is a lie would imply that at least some part of the statement is true, leading to a paradox.

“It's just confusing”

While it may seem confusing, the essence of the statement is a paradox rather than just confusion; it has a specific logical structure.

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