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A man may be in as just possession of truth as of a City…

“A man may be in as just possession of truth as of a City, and yet be forced to surrender it - this was the wise saying of Sir Thomas Browne.” quote by A.S. Byatt
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““A man may be in as just possession of truth as of a City, and yet be forced to surrender it - this was the wise saying of Sir Thomas Browne.””

A.S. Byatt

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Truth can be owned like a city, yet may be forced to surrender, reflecting the tension between possession and vulnerability.

In simple terms: Truth is both owned and vulnerable.

Key Takeaway

Guard truth wisely.

Themes

truth ownership vulnerability

Mood

reflective intellectual

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • legal disputes
  • academic debate
  • personal integrity

Key Concepts

philosophical paradox epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to “own” truth?
  • When must truth be surrendered?
A Different Perspective

May imply truth is a commodity.

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