Paradox.

A paradox sounds ridiculous until you realise it is true.

Have you read Nineteen eighty four yet? Out of date, yes. But bang up to the minute in its approach.

"War is peace."
"Freedom is slavery."
"Ignorance is strength."

(George Orwell, 1984)

Truth is lies! 

Politicians! Honestly! (I write this on the day of our General Election 2019.)

Mr Corbyn never laid that wreath on the grave of a murderous terrorist in Tunisia. There will be no border down the Irish Sea. For the many not the few. Get Brexit done!

Truth is lies. "Now let me be perfectly clear on this…" (As Mrs May used to say before a huge fib.) "I never had sex with that woman…" (Bill Clinton).

Truth is lies.

But let us move on.

Oscar Wilde was a master of paradox: 

The only way to get rid of a temptation is to give in to it.

There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart's desire. The other is to gain it. 

George Bernard Shaw was a master of paradox too.

Paradox, one of the most complicated tricks of style, it actually easy to write.

Think of grumbling.

It is very expensive to run a family.

(Now throw in the word not.)

It is not very expensive to be lonely.

Having to go to work is a chore. (Now throw in the word not.) Not having to go to work is hell.

Or play with words (especially good in politics):

Vote Blue – go Green.
Left is Right!
Labour isn't working!
Liberal Democrats – neither liberal nor democratic.

Back to the future. Can you remember that film?

Dream the impossible dream.

Why did the Roman Emperor believe in Christianity?

Credo quia absurdum – I believe it because it is ridiculous.

Rome has no equal; even the ruins show its greatness.

A good Paradox sounds stupid; but it is loved by the clever.