Betrayal Quote by Elizabeth Bowen
““Innocence so constantly finds itself in a false position that inwardly innocent people learn to be disingenuous. Finding no language in which to speak in their own terms, they resign themselves to being translated imperfectly. They exist alone; when they try to enter into relations they compromise falsifyingly–through anxiety, through desire to impart and to feel warmth. The system of our affections is too corrupt for them. They are bound to blunder, then to be told they cheat. In love, the sweetness and violence they have to offer involves a thousand betrayals for the less innocent. Incurable strangers to the world, they never cease to exact a heroic happiness. Their singleness, their ruthlessness, their one continuous wish makes them bound to be cruel, and to suffer cruelty. The innocent are so few that two of them seldom meet–when they do meet, their victims lie strewn all around.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Heat of the Day, 1948
The quote explores how inherently pure individuals, lacking authentic language, become forced to act insincerely, leading to cycles of betrayal and suffering in relationships.
In simple terms: Innocent people become false to survive, causing pain.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and protect authentic expression.
Themes
authenticity
betrayal
vulnerability
relationships
power dynamics
Mood
melancholic
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace dynamics
- creative collaborations
- family interactions
Key Concepts
existential alienation
psychological conflict
social corruption
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we create spaces for genuine expression?
- What safeguards prevent innocence from being weaponized?
A Different Perspective
The insight may overgeneralize innocence as inherently tragic, ignoring resilience.
![“1.17 THE WORLDLY WAYS The world, the din, the time, the kin, In our days are a sin, Love’s condemned and not true, A farce for sex, a laugh at You. [179] - 1 Simplicity is a crime, Frauds and liars are divine, Sex is worshiped, live not true, Cheat be cheated our mottos new. [180] - 1 Love is lost…” quote by Munindra (Munnan) Misra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a7c/munindra-munnan-misra-19713_crime_1-17-the-worldly-ways-the-world-the-din_618737.jpg)
