--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The real scholar must choose truth and…" description: "\"“The real scholar must choose truth and somehow it is better if it is made so ugly that nobody could doubt its virginity.”\" — Walter Prescott Webb" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf5/walter-prescott-webb-74042_truth_the-real-scholar-must-choose-truth-and-s_2743842.png" --- # The real scholar must choose truth and somehow it is… ![“The real scholar must choose truth and somehow it is better if it is made so ugly that nobody could doubt its virginity.” quote by Walter Prescott Webb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf5/walter-prescott-webb-74042_truth_the-real-scholar-must-choose-truth-and-s_2743842.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf5/walter-prescott-webb-74042_truth_the-real-scholar-must-choose-truth-and-s_2743842.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf5/walter-prescott-webb-74042_truth_the-real-scholar-must-choose-truth-and-s_2743842.png) > ““The real scholar must choose truth and somehow it is better if it is made so ugly that nobody could doubt its virginity.”” Walter Prescott Webb ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True scholarship may be harsh, but its purity prevents doubt. **In simple terms:** Scholarship must be honest, even if ugly. Key Takeaway Value rigorous truth over comfort. Themes academia truth integrity philosophy Mood thought‑provoking serious Type philosophical academic When to use this quote - research methodology - historical study - academic publishing - education Key Concepts epistemology critical analysis intellectual honesty Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance truth with accessibility? - When is it acceptable to soften findings? A Different Perspective Harsh truths can alienate audiences, limiting impact. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [The real scholar learns how to evolve the unknown from the known, and draws near the master.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/the-real-scholar-learns-how-to-evolve-the-unknown-from-the-known-and/) [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/) > [Every person must choose how much truth he can stand.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/irvin-d-yalom/every-person-must-choose-how-much-truth-he-can-stand/) [Irvin D. Yalom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/irvin-d-yalom/) > [Given a choice between life and death, choose life. Given a choice between right and wrong, choose what's right. 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