--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: After all, truth is not always a virtue…" description: "\"“After all, truth is not always a virtue when it is pursued for its own sake or, worse, simply to make its teller feel morally superior. That's the pro..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa0/josh-sundquist-41988_love_after-all-truth-is-not-always-a-virtue-w_1179485.jpg" --- # After all, truth is not always a virtue when it is pursued… ![“After all, truth is not always a virtue when it is pursued for its own sake or, worse, simply to make its teller feel morally superior. That's the problem with those who let the rules of religion overshadow its spirit -- which is, of course, love. And grace. In other words, there are times when…” quote by Josh Sundquist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa0/josh-sundquist-41988_love_after-all-truth-is-not-always-a-virtue-w_1179485.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa0/josh-sundquist-41988_love_after-all-truth-is-not-always-a-virtue-w_1179485.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa0/josh-sundquist-41988_love_after-all-truth-is-not-always-a-virtue-w_1179485.jpg) > ““After all, truth is not always a virtue when it is pursued for its own sake or, worse, simply to make its teller feel morally superior. That's the problem with those who let the rules of religion overshadow its spirit -- which is, of course, love. And grace. In other words, there are times when telling an outright lie may be the most loving thing a person can do.”” [Josh Sundquist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josh-sundquist/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He argues that truth can be harmful when used to feel morally superior; sometimes compassion outweighs honesty. **In simple terms:** Truth isn’t always kind; love may require a lie. Key Takeaway Consider compassion over blunt honesty. Themes ethics truth compassion religion morality Mood thoughtful serious Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - personal relationships - conflict resolution - public discourse Key Concepts integrity empathy social norms Questions to Reflect On - When is a lie justified for love? - How do we balance honesty and empathy? A Different Perspective Truth can damage trust if wielded arrogantly. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [“I’d let you stab a knife in my heart if it pleased you, and I’d lie there loving you until my last breath.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-kleypas/i-d-let-you-stab-a-knife-in-my-heart-if-it-pleased-you-and-i-d-lie/) [Lisa Kleypas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-kleypas/) > [Humility is not something that comes naturally. 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