--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There are no things more cruel than…" description: "\"“There are no things more cruel than truths about ourselves spoken to us by another that are perceived to be at least half true. Left unsaid and hidden..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/109/john-mcgahern-11742_truth_there-are-no-things-more-cruel-than-trut_1137349.jpg" --- # There are no things more cruel than truths about ourselves… ![“There are no things more cruel than truths about ourselves spoken to us by another that are perceived to be at least half true. Left unsaid and hidden we feel they can be changed or eradicated, in time.” quote by John McGahern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/109/john-mcgahern-11742_truth_there-are-no-things-more-cruel-than-trut_1137349.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/109/john-mcgahern-11742_truth_there-are-no-things-more-cruel-than-trut_1137349.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/109/john-mcgahern-11742_truth_there-are-no-things-more-cruel-than-trut_1137349.jpg) > ““There are no things more cruel than truths about ourselves spoken to us by another that are perceived to be at least half true. Left unsaid and hidden we feel they can be changed or eradicated, in time.”” [John McGahern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mcgahern/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Facing harsh self‑truths spoken by others can feel devastating, yet confronting them is essential for growth. **In simple terms:** Hard truths from others hurt but are needed for change. Key Takeaway Embrace uncomfortable feedback. Themes self‑awareness vulnerability growth Mood reflective serious Type advice motivational When to use this quote - therapy sessions - personal coaching - relationship discussions - team feedback - self‑reflection Key Concepts psychology communication truth Questions to Reflect On - How do you react when others point out your flaws? - What steps can you take to act on painful feedback? A Different Perspective Avoiding truth can preserve comfort but stalls improvement. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) [Truths](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truths/) ## Related quotes > [The cruelest lies are often told without a word The kindest truths are often spoken, never heard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-folds/the-cruelest-lies-are-often-told-without-a-word-the-kindest-truths/) [Ben Folds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-folds/) > [“My my, the cruelest lies are often told without a word My my, the kindest truths are often spoken, never heard”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-folds/my-my-the-cruelest-lies-are-often-told-without-a-word-my-my-the/) [Ben Folds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-folds/) > [“To that point in my life, I had never been so crestfallen. 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