Skip to content

How could you be so naive as to tell a human being the…

“How could you be so naive as to tell a human being the truth? Men live by embedding themselves in ongoing systems of illusion. Religion. Patriotism. Economics. Fashion. That sort of thing. If you wish to gain the favor of the two-legged ilk, you must learn to fabricate as wholeheartedly as they do.” quote by Tom Robbins
Download Open image
““How could you be so naive as to tell a human being the truth? Men live by embedding themselves in ongoing systems of illusion. Religion. Patriotism. Economics. Fashion. That sort of thing. If you wish to gain the favor of the two-legged ilk, you must learn to fabricate as wholeheartedly as they do.””

Tom Robbins

About This Quote

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

Humans rely on shared myths and narratives to function, so truth must be packaged as illusion to be accepted.

In simple terms: People need stories to live; truth alone is often rejected.

Key Takeaway

Learn to frame ideas within familiar narratives.

Themes

illusion truth social constructs communication

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • marketing
  • political speech
  • personal persuasion
  • media storytelling
  • education

Key Concepts

mythmaking cognitive bias cultural narratives

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance honesty with cultural narratives?
  • What myths shape your daily decisions?
A Different Perspective

Truth alone may be dismissed without relatable context.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Tom Robbins

Explore all 994 Tom Robbins quotes

More Religion quotes

Browse all 58,737 Religion quotes