Stay Alive Quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
““I am sorry, I am very sorry to ask you to lie," he said, so earnestly that I wondered if it hurt him to lie. That made him seem more like a god than a human being. If it hurt to lie, how could you stay alive?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula K. Le Guin, 1969
A character’s honesty about lying reveals moral conflict and the pain of deception.
In simple terms: Lying causes moral pain.
Key Takeaway
Value truth over deception.
Themes
ethics
truth
humanity
Mood
thoughtful
philosophical
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- interpersonal conflict
- moral dilemmas
- character development
Key Concepts
science fiction
philosophical dialogue
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is lying painful for some?
- How can honesty be balanced with compassion?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex moral choices.
