--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Don't use that foreign word: ideals. We…" description: "\"Don't use that foreign word: ideals. We have the excellent native word: lies.\" — Henrik Ibsen" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/657/henrik-ibsen-1419_excellent_don-t-use-that-foreign-word-ideals-we-ha_1778526.jpg" --- # Don't use that foreign word: ideals. We have the excellent… ![“Don't use that foreign word: ideals. We have the excellent native word: lies.” quote by Henrik Ibsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/657/henrik-ibsen-1419_excellent_don-t-use-that-foreign-word-ideals-we-ha_1778526.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/657/henrik-ibsen-1419_excellent_don-t-use-that-foreign-word-ideals-we-ha_1778526.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/657/henrik-ibsen-1419_excellent_don-t-use-that-foreign-word-ideals-we-ha_1778526.jpg) > “Don't use that foreign word: ideals. We have the excellent native word: lies.” [Henrik Ibsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henrik-ibsen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He critiques the tendency to replace abstract ideals with concrete falsehoods, suggesting language can obscure truth. **In simple terms:** Ideals are replaced by lies. Key Takeaway Beware of euphemisms. Themes truth language philosophy Mood critical serious Type philosophical instructive When to use this quote - political rhetoric - advertising - personal relationships Key Concepts semantic distortion ethical communication critical thinking Questions to Reflect On - How do words shape our perception of truth? - When does simplifying become deception? A Different Perspective May oversimplify complex ideas. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ideals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideals/) [Lies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lies/) ## Related quotes > [“Don't use that exotic word "ideals". 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