Frankness Quote by Liza Dalby
““What was the point, I told myself, of trying to explain to people who would never understand? Frankness just stirred up trouble amoung women who thought only of themselves, always looking for reasons to carp and complain. It was so rare to find anyone who truly understood, I had learned to keep my thoughts to myself. In fact, if I had never had the experience of knowing such a one, I might have said it was impossible. Most people judge everything by their own narrow standards. Page 357””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Last Empress by Liza Dalby, 1998
The author expresses frustration at trying to communicate with self‑absorbed people who never understand, leading to isolation and self‑censorship.
In simple terms: Trying to explain to selfish people feels futile, causing the speaker to keep thoughts private.
Key Takeaway
Accept that not everyone will understand; protect your inner voice.
Themes
communication
frustration
isolation
self‑preservation
Mood
irritated
reflective
Type
personal
observational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace
- online forums
- family gatherings
Key Concepts
empathy
social dynamics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Who truly listens to you?
- How do you decide when to speak or stay silent?
A Different Perspective
Even if some understand, sharing may still cause conflict or misinterpretation.
