To say that nothing is true, is to realise that the foundations of society are fragile, and that we must be the shepherds of our own civilization. To say that everything is permitted. Is to understand that we are the architects of our actions, and that we must live with their consequences, whether glorious or tragic.
Decisions are easily made when one remembers nothing is true, everything is permitted.
The dictum of the Order of the Assassins, as heard in Assassins Creed 1 and 2. First spoken by Altair’s master Al Mualim, “Nothing is True” exhibits the cynicism that the Assassins carry towards religion and fantasy, while “Everything is Permitted” represents their dedication the Order and the brutality of their work.
The Assassins in Ubisoft’s AC are based off of a real group active during the Crusades, called the Hashshashins, from which the word “Assassin” is derived.