Yes,' Montriveau went on in an unsteady voice, 'this…
““Yes,' Montriveau went on in an unsteady voice, 'this Catholic faith to which you wish to convert me is a lie that men make for themselves; hope is a lie at the expense of the future; pride, a lie between us and our fellows; and pity, and prudence, and terror are cunning lies. And now my happiness is to be one more lying delusion; I am expected to delude myself, to be willing to give gold coin for silver to the end. If you can so easily dispense with my visits; if you confess me neither as your friend nor your love, you do not care for me! And I, poor fool that I am, tell myself this, and know it, and love you!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator lists several abstract concepts as false comforts, suggesting that hope, pride, and other emotions are deceptive lies that hinder authentic happiness.
In simple terms: Emotions can be deceptive.
Key Takeaway
Question the truth of your emotional beliefs.
Themes
philosophy
psychology
existentialism
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- relationship turmoil
- moral dilemmas
- spiritual searching
Key Concepts
illusion
self‑deception
hope
pride
pity
terror
Questions to Reflect On
- Which “lies” do you rely on for comfort?
- Can you find meaning without them?
A Different Perspective
Emotions also provide motivation and connection; dismissing them entirely may lead to numbness.