Ability Quote by Flannery O'Connor
“The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it emotionally. A higher paradox confounds emotion as well as reason and there are long periods in the lives of all of us, and of the saints, when the truth as revealed by faith is hideous, emotionally disturbing, downright repulsive. Witness the dark night of the soul in individual saints. Right now the whole world seems to be going through a dark night of the soul.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Dark Night of the Soul, 1964
Truth remains constant despite our emotional capacity; confronting harsh reality can be painful and unsettling.
In simple terms: Truth is unchanged; emotions may resist it.
Key Takeaway
Accept truth, even when uncomfortable.
Themes
faith
truth
emotion
spiritual struggle
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
philosophical
spiritual
literary
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- spiritual awakening
- ethical decision making
- counseling
- public discourse
Key Concepts
existentialism
theology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when truth feels threatening?
- What practices help endure uncomfortable truths?
A Different Perspective
Emotional denial can prevent honest engagement with reality.
