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About this quote

What does it mean?
Learning the truth is painful at first, even though it eventually frees you.
In plain terms
Truth hurts at first but frees you later.
What can you take from it?
Embrace the pain of truth for eventual freedom.

Where it applies

  • self-reflection
  • relationship ending
  • personal discovery

Putting it to work

  • face reality
  • accept discomfort
  • seek clarity

Questions to consider

  • What truth hurts you most?
  • Is freedom worth the pain?

Another view

Sometimes truth does not lead to freedom or happiness.

More from James A. Garfield

  1. The President is the last person in the world to know what the people really want and think.

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  2. Things don't turn up in this world until somebody turns them up.

    Permalink to quote #54
  3. The possession of great powers no doubt carries with it a contempt for mere external show.

    Permalink to quote #51

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