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About this quote

What does it mean?
Subtle implications often convey bad news more than direct words.
In plain terms
People imply you will not improve without saying it outright.
What can you take from it?
Read between the lines for the truth about health.

Where it applies

  • medical diagnosis
  • conversations
  • family

Putting it to work

  • ask direct questions
  • seek clarity
  • prepare mentally

Questions to consider

  • Is indirectness kind?
  • Can we face truth?

Another view

It assumes bad news is always hidden indirectly.

More from Samuel Beckett

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  2. The earth makes a sound as of sighs and the last drops fall from the emptied cloudless sky. A small boy, stretching out his hands and looking up at the blue sk…

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  3. How tell what remains ? But it's the end. Or have I been dreaming, am I dreaming ? No no, none of that, for dream is nothing, a joke, and significant what is w…

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