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you'd like the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the…

“you'd like the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. That must be the most futile oath anyone ever swears.” quote by P. D. James
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“you'd like the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. That must be the most futile oath anyone ever swears.”

P. D. James

About This Quote

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

The oath to tell the whole truth is practically impossible to fulfill.

In simple terms: Swearing to reveal everything is futile.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of absolute truth.

Themes

law truth ethics

Mood

skeptical thoughtful

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • court testimony
  • journalistic reporting
  • personal confession

Key Concepts

philosophy legal practice

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is partial truth acceptable?
  • How do we handle unknowns?
A Different Perspective

Truth can be subjective or incomplete.

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