The man who boasts that he habitually tells the truth is…
“The man who boasts that he habitually tells the truth is simply a man with no respect for it. It is not a thing to be thrown about loosely, like small change; it is something to be cherished and hoarded and disbursed only when absolutely necessary. The smallest atom of truth represents some man's bitter toil and agony; for every ponderable chunk of it there is a brave truth-seeker's grave upon some lonely ash-dump and a soul roasting in Hell.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Truth is a precious commodity that must be guarded, not flaunted; careless use cheapens its value and harms both speaker and listener.
In simple terms: Truth is valuable and should be used sparingly.
Key Takeaway
Guard truth, speak it only when needed.
Themes
integrity
communication
ethics
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal testimony
- personal relationships
- journalism
- political discourse
Key Concepts
philosophy
morality
consequences
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when truth is essential?
- What are the risks of overusing truth?
A Different Perspective
Truth can be weaponized or misinterpreted, making restraint difficult.