And the supreme glory of all this, my love, is to think that maybe this isn't true, neither may I believe it true. // And when lying starts giving us pleasure, let's speak the truth so that we lie to it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker finds pleasure in deception and suggests speaking truth only to use it as a tool for lying.
- In plain terms
- Truth becomes a tool when lying feels good.
- What can you take from it?
- Honesty can be manipulated for gain.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do you lie to feel better?
- Can truth ever be harmless?
Another view
Truth has intrinsic value regardless of how it is used.
More from Fernando Pessoa
Why is art beautiful? Because it's useless. Why is life ugly? Because it's all ends and purposes and intentions.
Permalink to quote #138 My head and the universe ache me.
Permalink to quote #140 Knowing not to have illusions is absolutely necessary in order to have dreams.
Permalink to quote #137
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