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Miro expected him to be wise. He had not expected him to be so intrusive, so dangerous. Yes, he was wise, all right, he kept seeing past pretense, kept saying or doing outrageous things that were, when you thought about it, exactly right. It was as if he was so familiar with the human mind that he could see, right on your face, the desires so deep, the truths so well-disguised that you didn't even know yourself that you had them in you

Orson Scott Card#104

TruthHuman natureWisdomVulnerability

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker observes a wise but intrusive character who reveals hidden truths about people.
In plain terms
Someone is wise but pushes into your inner thoughts and truths.
What can you take from it?
Wisdom can feel intrusive when it exposes your hidden self.

Where it applies

  • meeting mentors
  • therapy
  • self-discovery

Putting it to work

  • expect discomfort from wisdom
  • face your truths
  • respect insight

Questions to consider

  • Are you afraid of being understood?
  • Does wisdom feel threatening?

Another view

Some people might not want their truths exposed even if it is right.

More from Orson Scott Card

  1. There's so much that we don't understand. And so much more that you don't understand. We should tell each other more

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  2. In your judgment I have no one else's judgment to use

    Permalink to quote #103
  3. You're a fool. If people only react to the way that others treat them, then nobody is responsible for anything. If your sins are not your own to choose, then h…

    Permalink to quote #106

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