I speak the truth, not my fill of it, but as much as I dare speak; and I dare to do so a little more as I grow old.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Montaigne admits he speaks only as much truth as his courage allows, noting this courage grows with age.
- In plain terms
- I tell the truth but only to the extent I am brave enough to.
- What can you take from it?
- Courage to speak truth increases with age.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much truth do you hide out of fear?
- Does age make you more honest?
Another view
Courage does not guarantee that what is spoken is actually true.
More from Michel de Montaigne
I will follow the good side right to the fire, but not into it if I can help it.
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Permalink to quote #40 There were never in the world two opinions alike, any more than two hairs or two grains. Their most universal quality is diversity.
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