--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It ought not to be unpleasant to say that…" description: "\"It ought not to be unpleasant to say that which one honestly believes or disbelieves. That it so constantly is painful to do so, is quite enough obstac..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/261/thomas-huxley-1183_atheism_it-ought-not-to-be-unpleasant-to-say-tha_2697777.png" --- # It ought not to be unpleasant to say that which one… ![“It ought not to be unpleasant to say that which one honestly believes or disbelieves. That it so constantly is painful to do so, is quite enough obstacle to the progress of mankind in that most valuable of all qualities, honesty of word or of deed.” quote by Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/261/thomas-huxley-1183_atheism_it-ought-not-to-be-unpleasant-to-say-tha_2697777.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/261/thomas-huxley-1183_atheism_it-ought-not-to-be-unpleasant-to-say-tha_2697777.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/261/thomas-huxley-1183_atheism_it-ought-not-to-be-unpleasant-to-say-tha_2697777.png) > “It ought not to be unpleasant to say that which one honestly believes or disbelieves. That it so constantly is painful to do so, is quite enough obstacle to the progress of mankind in that most valuable of all qualities, honesty of word or of deed.” [Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-huxley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Honesty in speech is often painful, yet avoiding it hinders humanity’s progress. **In simple terms:** Being honest can be hard but is essential. Key Takeaway Speak truth despite discomfort. Themes honesty integrity progress Mood thoughtful serious Type motivational philosophical When to use this quote - politics - personal relationships - public discourse Key Concepts ethics communication Questions to Reflect On - What truths are you avoiding? - How does honesty shape society? A Different Perspective Truth may cause conflict or alienation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atheism/) [Deeds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/deeds/) [Honesty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/honesty/) [Mankind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mankind/) [Obstacles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obstacles/) [Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/progress/) [Quality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quality/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) ## Related quotes > [Good human qualities-honesty, sincerity, a good heart-cannot be bought with money, nor can they be produced my machines, but only by the mind itself.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/good-human-qualities-honesty-sincerity-a-good-heart-cannot-be-bought/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I could tell you what my good qualities are. 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