Indifference Quote by Anthony Powell
““...Even when you have ceased to love someone, that does not necessarily bring an indifference to a past shared together. Besides, though love may die, vanity lives on timelessly. I knew that I must be prepared to hear things I should not like. Yet, although where unfaithfulness reigns, ignorance may be preferable to knowledge, at the same time, once knowledge is brutally born, exactitude is preferable to uncertainty.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Dance to the Music of Time, 1951
Even after love ends, memories and ego persist; ignorance can feel safer than painful truth, but once knowledge arrives, precision matters more than uncertainty.
In simple terms: Love fades but ego stays; ignorance feels safe; knowledge demands precision.
Key Takeaway
Accept that truth may be harsh and choose clarity over comfort.
Themes
love
ego
ignorance
knowledge
truth
Mood
reflective
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- breakups
- personal growth
- self‑reflection
- overcoming denial
- seeking truth
Key Concepts
psychology
human nature
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prefer comfort over truth?
- How can you balance ego with honest insight?
A Different Perspective
Ignorance may protect emotional stability, yet avoiding truth can hinder growth.
