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The Liars believe in no afterlife, no God. We see the…

“The Liars believe in no afterlife, no God. We see the universe as it is , Father Damien, and these naked truths are cruel ones. We who believe in life, and treasure it, will die. Afterward there will be nothing, eternal emptiness, blackness, nonexistence. In our living there has been no purpose…” quote by George R.R. Martin
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““The Liars believe in no afterlife, no God. We see the universe as it is , Father Damien, and these naked truths are cruel ones. We who believe in life, and treasure it, will die. Afterward there will be nothing, eternal emptiness, blackness, nonexistence. In our living there has been no purpose, no poetry, no meaning. Nor do our deaths possess these qualities. When we are gone, the universe will not long remember us, and shortly it will be as if we had never lived at all. Our worlds and our universe will not long outlive us. Ultimately entropy will consume all, and our puny efforts cannot stay that awful end. It will be gone. It has never been. It has never mattered. The universe itself is doomed, transient, uncaring. [...] The truths, the great truths - and most of the lesser ones as well - they are unbearable for most men. We find our shield in faith. Your faith, my faith, any faith. It doesn't matter, as long as we believe , really and truly believe, in whatever lie we cling to. [...] We know truth for the cruel instrument it is. Beauty is infinitely preferable to truth. We invent beauty. Faiths, political movements, high ideals, belief in love and fellowship. All of them are lies. [...] Our lies are not perfect, of course. The truths are too big. But perhaps someday we will find one great lie that all humanity can use. Until then, a thousand small lies will do. (from Way of Cross and Dragon)””

George R.R. Martin

About This Quote

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

The passage argues that truth is overwhelming and painful, so humanity clings to comforting lies and faith.

In simple terms: Truth is harsh; we prefer comforting lies.

Key Takeaway

Seek meaning beyond nihilism.

Themes

existentialism nihilism faith beauty

Mood

somber thoughtful

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • philosophical debate
  • personal crisis
  • artistic creation

Key Concepts

truth vs. belief meaning-making

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can truth ever be beautiful?
  • What role does faith play in coping?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex belief systems.

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