I have come to believe that by and large the human family…
““I have come to believe that by and large the human family all has the same secrets, which are both very telling and very important to tell. They are telling in the sense that they tell what is perhaps the central paradox of our condition—that what we hunger for perhaps more than anything else is to be known in our full humanness, and yet that is often just what we also fear more than anything else. It is important to tell at least from time to time the secret of who we truly and fully are—even if we tell it only to ourselves—because otherwise we run the risk of losing track of who we truly and fully are and little by little come to accept instead the highly edited version which we put forth in hope that the world will find it more acceptable than the real thing. It is important to tell our secrets too because it makes it easier that way to see where we have been in our lives and where we are going. It also makes it easier for other people to tell us a secret or two of their own, and exchanges like that have a lot to do with what being a family is all about and what being human is all about.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humans crave authentic self‑knowledge yet fear it; sharing our deepest truths preserves identity and fosters genuine connection.
In simple terms: We need to know ourselves and share that truth.
Key Takeaway
Speak your truth to stay authentic.
Themes
identity
vulnerability
family
humanity
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- family gatherings
- journaling
- support groups
Key Concepts
self‑acceptance
psychology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What truth are you avoiding?
- How does sharing vulnerability strengthen bonds?
A Different Perspective
Fear of rejection can silence honesty.