Away Quote by Walter Kirn
“What is it in people, or just in people like me, that would rather let a lie go by, would rather wish it away or minimize it, than point it out and cause the liar embarrassment?”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, Walter Kirn, 2015
People often avoid confronting lies because they fear conflict, social discomfort, or damaging relationships, preferring to preserve harmony over exposing falsehood.
In simple terms: We dodge lies to keep peace, not to expose truth.
Key Takeaway
Consider confronting truth gently to maintain integrity.
Themes
conflict avoidance
social harmony
truth
ethics
communication
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace dynamics
- family gatherings
- online discussions
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
social psychology
moral courage
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do you fear the fallout of exposing a lie?
- How might honest confrontation improve relationships?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding lies can enable deceit and erode trust over time.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
