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About this quote

What does it mean?
Simple falsehoods are often more acceptable to people than complex realities.
In plain terms
People prefer easy lies to hard truths.
What can you take from it?
Expect resistance to nuanced truth in public discourse.

Where it applies

  • public debate
  • communication
  • education

Putting it to work

  • simplify without lying
  • expect pushback
  • teach nuance

Questions to consider

  • Why do people prefer simple answers?
  • How do you share complex truths?

Another view

Sometimes simple truths exist and complex lies spread too.

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