Being true Quote by Maltbie Davenport Babcock
“The root of honesty is an honest intention, the distinct and deliberate purpose to be true, to handle facts as they are, and not as we wish them to be. Facts lend themselves to manipulation. Many a butcher's hand is worth more than its weight in gold. What we want things to be, we come to see them to be; and the tailor pulls the coat and the truth into a perfect fit from his point of view.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Life and Ministry of Maltbie Davenport Babcock, 1905
Honesty stems from sincere intent to accept reality, not wishful distortion; facts are manipulable, and personal bias can warp truth.
In simple terms: Truth requires genuine intent, not wishful thinking.
Key Takeaway
Align intentions with reality.
Themes
honesty
integrity
perception
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decision
- journalism
- science
- law
- therapy
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
truthfulness
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your intentions shape your perception of facts?
- What steps ensure you see facts as they are?
A Different Perspective
Bias can blind us to objective facts.
