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It’s impossible to say a thing exactly the way it was…

“It’s impossible to say a thing exactly the way it was, because what you say can never be exact, you always have to leave something out, there are too many parts, sides, crosscurrents, nuances; too many gestures, which could mean this or that, too many shapes which can never be fully described, too…” quote by Margaret Atwood
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““It’s impossible to say a thing exactly the way it was, because what you say can never be exact, you always have to leave something out, there are too many parts, sides, crosscurrents, nuances; too many gestures, which could mean this or that, too many shapes which can never be fully described, too many flavors, in the air or on the tongue, half-colors, too many. But””

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

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

Language can never fully capture reality; meaning is always filtered through omission and perspective.

In simple terms: Words are imperfect mirrors of truth.

Key Takeaway

Accept ambiguity and seek multiple viewpoints.

Themes

communication perception truth

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • debate
  • translation
  • teaching

Key Concepts

linguistics subjectivity interpretation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide what to omit?
  • What shapes your interpretation?
A Different Perspective

Exactness is impossible; misunderstandings persist.

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