Ifs Quote by William Batchelder Greene
“Hide what you have to hide And tell what you have to tell You'll see your problems multiplied If you continually decide To faithfully pursue The policy of truth”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Anonymous political verse, early 19th century
Concealing truth leads to compounded problems; honest communication, though difficult, prevents escalation.
In simple terms: Hide truth, problems grow; speak truth, problems shrink.
Key Takeaway
Choose transparency over concealment.
Themes
honesty
communication
consequences
integrity
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political discourse
- media reporting
Key Concepts
truthfulness
ethical dilemma
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- When does truth become harmful?
- How can we balance honesty with compassion?
A Different Perspective
Truth can be painful and may cause conflict.
