Art Quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
““I talk about the gods, I am an atheist. But I am an artist too, and therefore a liar. Distrust everything I say. I am telling the truth. The only truth I can understand or express is, logically defined, a lie. Psychologically defined, a symbol. Aesthetically defined, a metaphor.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1995 interview in The New Yorker, 1995
The speaker claims that truth, lies, symbols and metaphors are intertwined, suggesting that language shapes perception and that artistic expression blurs factual boundaries.
In simple terms: Truth and lie are intertwined; language shapes reality.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions and recognize metaphorical truth.
Themes
truth
perception
language
art
philosophy
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- philosophical debate
- teaching
- media analysis
Key Concepts
semiotics
relativism
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does metaphor influence your belief in facts?
- Can language ever be neutral?
A Different Perspective
Artistic truth can be misleading if taken literally.
