Anyone who says honesty is the best policy is living in…
““Anyone who says honesty is the best policy is living in la-la land. Either that or they've never been married or had children. Parents lie to their kids all the time--about sex, drugs, death, and a hundred other things. We lie to those we love to protect their feelings. We lie because that's what love means, whereas unfettered honesty is cruel and the height of self-indulgence."----The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Rubotham (page 40)””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Unconditional love often involves protective lies; strict honesty can be harmful.
In simple terms: Love sometimes requires gentle untruths.
Key Takeaway
Balance honesty with compassion.
Themes
love
parenting
truth
ethics
Mood
ethical
literary
Type
Honesty:1
Love:1
Love means:1
Parenting:1
Sex drugs:0
Honesty Best:0
Parents Lie:1
Unfettered Honesty:0
Says Honesty:0
When to use this quote
- Absolute honesty can damage relationships.
Key Concepts
family dynamics
communication
childrearing
Questions to Reflect On
- conflicted
- reflective
A Different Perspective
When is a lie justified?;How do you decide what truth to share?