Adults Quote by June Jordan
“As a child I was taught that to tell the truth was often painful. As an adult I have learned that not to tell the truth is more painful, and that the fear of telling the truth - whatever the truth may be - that fear is the most painful sensation of a moral life.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on Truth and Moral Pain, 1995
Truth-telling is painful, but lying causes deeper suffering; confronting truth is the hardest moral challenge.
In simple terms: Honesty hurts, but lies hurt more.
Key Takeaway
Choose truth despite discomfort.
Themes
ethics
honesty
pain
morality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- professional ethics
- public speaking
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
integrity
psychological impact
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you avoided truth and why?
- What does truth cost you personally?
A Different Perspective
Denial can become a coping mechanism that avoids growth.
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