How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from The Wizard of Oz.
Quote #10
WIZARD: I hereby decree that until what time, if any, that I return, the Scarecrow, by virtue of his highly superior brains, shall rule in my stead, assisted by the Tin Man, by virtue of his magnificent heart, and the Lion, by virtue of his courage.
Here's another example of deceit being used for good. The Wizard isn't copping to the fact that he can't use any real magic. He's perpetrating a lie… and yet he's doing so in order to help the Scarecrow and his buddies take charge (which presumably benefits both them and the Emerald City). Not all lies are evil ones here, it seems, and even if it doesn't work out, the Wizard seems to be telling this one for selfless reasons. He's well aware of the placebo effect.