Heine says that a true autobiography is almost an impossibility, and that man is bound to lie about himself.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Heine claims true autobiography is nearly impossible because people inevitably lie about themselves.
- In plain terms
- Heine says we can’t fully be honest about ourselves, making true autobiography almost impossible.
- What can you take from it?
- Self‑portraits are inevitably biased.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can complete self‑truth ever be achieved?
- How do we recognize self‑deception?
Another view
Some autobiographies strive for honesty despite bias.
More from Heinrich Heine
True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary.
Permalink to quote #38 Talking and eloquence are not the same: to speak and to speak well are two things. A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks.
Permalink to quote #37 Every man, either to his terror or consolation, has some sense of religion.
Permalink to quote #36
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