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Love Quote by Hélène Cixous

“Those I love go in the direction of what they call the last hour—what Clarice Lispector calls, “the hour of the star,” “the hour of relinquishing all the lies that have helped us live. Writing or saying the truth is equivalent to death, since we cannot tell the truth. It is forbidden because it…” quote by Hélène Cixous
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““Those I love go in the direction of what they call the last hour—what Clarice Lispector calls, “the hour of the star,” “the hour of relinquishing all the lies that have helped us live. Writing or saying the truth is equivalent to death, since we cannot tell the truth. It is forbidden because it hurts everyone. We never say the truth, we must lie, mostly as a result of our two needs: our need for love and cowardice.””

Hélène Cixous

About This Quote

Source Book: The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector, 1977

The quote explores how love and fear compel us to hide truth, suggesting that truth-telling feels like a death because it threatens relationships and personal safety.

In simple terms: Truth is hidden by love and fear.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when fear drives dishonesty.

Themes

love fear truth honesty identity

Mood

reflective melancholic introspective

Type

literary philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • creative writing
  • therapy
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology literary criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does love influence your willingness to be honest?
  • When is silence more compassionate than truth?
A Different Perspective

Truth may be necessary but can cause pain and loss.

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