Pain Quote by John Steinbeck
““The quick pain of truth can pass away, but the slow, eating agony of a lie is never lost. That's a running sore.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Grapes of Wrath” (1939) – dialogue excerpt
Lies cause lingering, deep pain that never fully heals, unlike brief truths that fade.
In simple terms: Lies hurt longer than truths.
Key Takeaway
Choose honesty to avoid lasting inner suffering.
Themes
truth
deception
psychological pain
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political rhetoric
- media reporting
- legal testimony
Key Concepts
ethical integrity
cognitive dissonance
emotional health
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you recall a time a lie caused lasting hurt?
- What truth have you avoided because it seemed painful?
A Different Perspective
Truths can be painful in the moment, making people avoid them.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
