Context

When Jonas becomes a twelve, he receives a slim set of instructions about his new position as receiver. 

The eighth and final item on the list is "You may lie," which really rattles Jonas more than any of the other instructions. After all, the world of The Giver is not exactly lie-friendly.

To put it simply (and literarily), the instruction is symbolic of Jonas's transition into adulthood. As an innocent eleven, he would never consider lying, but now, he's suddenly granted permission—and he very quickly grasps the implications.

What if all twelves received this instruction? What if everything he's heard from adults is a lie? His first inclination is to ask his father if he ever lies, but he realizes that "he would have no way of knowing if the answer he received were true."

Oh Jonas, welcome to the adult world.

Where you've heard it

If your parents ever say this to you...don't believe it.

P.S. Don't confuse this line with "you lie!" Very different.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

This quote and, in particular, Jonas's reaction to it, are anything but pretentious.