What is exaggeration to one class of minds and perceptions, is plain truth to another. That which is commonly called a long-sight, perceives in a prospect innumerable features and bearings non-existent to a short-sighted person. I sometimes ask myself whether there may occasionally be a difference of this kind between some writers and some readers; whether it is ALWAYS the writer who colours highly, or whether it is now and then the reader whose eye for colour is a little dull?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- What one person sees as an exaggeration might be truth to another, depending on their perspective or sensitivity.
- In plain terms
- Different people see things differently based on their own vision or perception.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize that perception varies between individuals.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who decides what is truth?
- How much does perspective matter?
Another view
Some claims are objectively false regardless of perception.
More from Charles Dickens
The men who learn endurance, are they who call the whole world brother.
Permalink to quote #62 With affection beaming in one eye, and calculation shining out of the other.
Permalink to quote #64 Oh gracious, why wasn't I born old and ugly?
Permalink to quote #61
Related quotes
Everything and everybody is sooner or later identified, defined, and put in perspective. The truth as always is simultaneously better and worse than what the p…
William SaroyanWilliam Saroyan quote #23 I was quite surprised to find out all the places that he knew And so I asked the townfolk if his stories were true They said- Old John was born here, he's live…
Harry ChapinHarry Chapin quote #28 Far or forgot to me is near; Shadow and sunlight are the same; The vanished gods to me appear; And one to me are shame and fame.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRalph Waldo Emerson quote #234