Skip to content

I was well aware how famously or infamously secretive…

“I was well aware how famously or infamously secretive these old institutions can be, no more than ourselves, a mixture of worry, lost power, perhaps even concern. That the truth may not always be desirable, that one thing leads to another thing, that facts not only lead forward to resolution, but…” quote by Sebastian Barry
Download Open image
““I was well aware how famously or infamously secretive these old institutions can be, no more than ourselves, a mixture of worry, lost power, perhaps even concern. That the truth may not always be desirable, that one thing leads to another thing, that facts not only lead forward to resolution, but backwards into the shadows, and sometimes into the various little hells we make for each other.””

Sebastian Barry

About This Quote

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

Institutions hide truths, creating shadows and personal hells; truth can be both harmful and necessary.

In simple terms: Secrets breed darkness and pain.

Key Takeaway

Seek transparency wisely.

Themes

secrecy truth power shadow

Mood

cautious thoughtful

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • family dynamics
  • media reporting
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

political theory ethics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should truth be withheld?
  • How do we balance honesty and harm?
A Different Perspective

Revealing truth can cause harm or chaos.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Sebastian Barry

Explore all 125 Sebastian Barry quotes

More Fear quotes

Browse all 35,569 Fear quotes