About Quote by Michael Cadnum
“Through language, we can tell the truth and hear the truth spoken, just as we can be deceived. Sometimes it's a painful realization: we can be lied to. As I write, I think of myself as putting my eye under oath, so that what I write is the truth about my characters.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Writer's Oath", Michael Cadnum, 2018
Writing demands honesty; we can be deceived, so we must commit to truth.
In simple terms: Writers must be truthful.
Key Takeaway
Commit to authentic storytelling.
Themes
truth
deception
writing
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- creative writing workshops
- editorial standards
Key Concepts
ethical responsibility
literary integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify truth?
- When is artistic license acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Truth can be subjective.
