--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Richard straightened with a sigh. \"People…" description: "\"“Richard straightened with a sigh. \"People are often more willing to believe lies than truth. Lies can be made to sound pleasant. The truth, by it's ve..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ac/terry-goodkind-924_good-people_richard-straightened-with-a-sigh-people_2346632.jpg" --- # Richard straightened with a sigh. "People are often more… ![“Richard straightened with a sigh. "People are often more willing to believe lies than truth. Lies can be made to sound pleasant. The truth, by it's very nature, isn't always so attractive." "That leaves peaceful people no choice but to fight for their lives or fall to the blades of madmen. In such…” quote by Terry Goodkind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ac/terry-goodkind-924_good-people_richard-straightened-with-a-sigh-people_2346632.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ac/terry-goodkind-924_good-people_richard-straightened-with-a-sigh-people_2346632.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ac/terry-goodkind-924_good-people_richard-straightened-with-a-sigh-people_2346632.jpg) > ““Richard straightened with a sigh. "People are often more willing to believe lies than truth. Lies can be made to sound pleasant. The truth, by it's very nature, isn't always so attractive." "That leaves peaceful people no choice but to fight for their lives or fall to the blades of madmen. In such a situation, there is no middle ground. There is no such thing as compromise between civilization and savagery. Civilization must always defend itself against savagery or else fall to it." "I guess that's our part in this?" Richard nodded. "I've never wanted to fight, to be in a war, to see good people die, to have to kill. I just wanted to live my life in peace. Others wouldn't allow me that life of peace. The battles I fight have always been to survive and live in peace, not to conquer.”” [Terry Goodkind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-goodkind/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People prefer comforting lies over harsh truths, forcing a binary clash between civilization and savagery where compromise seems impossible. **In simple terms:** Lies are attractive; truth is harsh, leading to conflict between order and chaos. Key Takeaway Recognize truth, even when uncomfortable, to protect civilization. Themes truth civilization conflict morality Mood tense reflective Type philosophical political When to use this quote - personal relationships - political discourse - media consumption - leadership decisions Key Concepts cognitive bias ethical dilemma survival instincts Practical Applications - Compromise may be possible with dialogue and empathy, but often ignored. Questions to Reflect On - ? A Different Perspective How can societies balance truth and comfort?;When is compromise viable between order and savag ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Good people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-people/) [Life In Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-in-peace/) [Life Of Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-of-peace/) [Live In Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/live-in-peace/) [Middle ground](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/middle-ground/) [Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peace/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [“Oftentimes it’s easier for lunatics to attract impassioned followers than it is for sensible people to get people to listen to reason. 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And then we will be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-j-maas/if-we-do-not-strike-now-nehemia-went-on-then-whatever-he-is-brewing/) [Sarah J. Maas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-j-maas/) ## More by Terry Goodkind > [Sometimes, it is necessary to step beyond what you have known and to reach for something more.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-goodkind/sometimes-it-is-necessary-to-step-beyond-what-you-have-known-and-to/) [Terry Goodkind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-goodkind/) > [“It should hurt, shouldn’t it? Shouldn’t it hurt to be ripped in half? But it didn’t. It didn’t hurt the least little bit. 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Twice is treason. 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You don't have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-goodkind/you-ll-find-that-being-a-friend-is-to-like-a-person-for-who-they-are/) [Terry Goodkind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-goodkind/) [Explore all 323 Terry Goodkind quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-goodkind/) ## More Good people quotes > [“Any discussion of money and success would be lacking if I did not state that money is neither good nor bad. 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Recently I read a headline that said, 'We don't teach people to be nice. We simply hire nice…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/good-people-are-found-not-changed-recently-i-read-a-headline-that/) [Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/) > [One of the things that I miss about Canada is that even the strangers, you have an immediate rapport, there's just an understanding that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evangeline-lilly/one-of-the-things-that-i-miss-about-canada-is-that-even-the-strangers/) [Evangeline Lilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evangeline-lilly/) > [“...I'd be interested in any tips you have for somebody starting out.” “Uh-huh,” I said, looking out the window. 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Civilization must always defend itself against savagery or else fall to it.\" \"I guess that's our part in this?\" Richard nodded. \"I've never wanted to fight, to be in a war, to see good people die, to have to kill. I just wanted to live my life in peace. Others wouldn't allow me that life of peace. 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