Conflict Quote by Matthew Scully
“When we shrink from the sight of something, when we shroud it in euphemism, that is usually a sign of inner conflict, of unsettled hearts, a sign that something has gone wrong in our moral reasoning.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Ethics, 2015
Euphemisms hide discomfort and indicate unresolved moral issues.
In simple terms: Euphemisms reveal hidden moral conflict.
Address issues directly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- personal relationships
- media commentary
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your language reveal about your values?
- When is indirect speech appropriate?
Euphemisms can sometimes protect vulnerable feelings.