At the present time there still exist many doctrines which choose to leave in the shadow certain troubling aspects of a too complex situation. But their attempt to lie to us is in vain. Cowardice doesn't pay. Those reasonable metaphysics, those consoling ethics with which they would like to entice us only accentuate the disorder from which we suffer.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Lying to ourselves about complex issues makes life harder.
- In plain terms
- Avoiding hard truths makes life worse.
- What can you take from it?
- Honesty reduces suffering.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What are you ignoring?
- Is honesty always best?
Another view
Sometimes ignorance is necessary for mental health.
More from Simone De Beauvoir
In horror, in terror, she accepted the metamorphosis - gnat, foam, ant, until death. And it's only the beginning, she thought. She stood motionless, as if it w…
Permalink to quote #37 Men of today seem to feel more acutely than ever the paradox of their condition. They know themselves to be the supreme end to which all action should be subor…
Permalink to quote #39 Try to stay a man amongst men ... There's no other hope for you.
Permalink to quote #36
Related quotes
He who, when called upon to speak a disagreeable truth, tells it boldly and has done is both bolder and milder than he who nibbles in a low voice and never cea…
Johann Kaspar LavaterJohann Kaspar Lavater quote #6 I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for truth - and truth rewarded me.
Simone De BeauvoirSimone De Beauvoir quote #7 They are slaves who fear to speak For the fallen and the weak; They are slaves who will not choose Hatred, scoffing, and abuse, Rather than in silence shrink F…
James Russell LowellJames Russell Lowell quote #10