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About this quote

What does it mean?
Gaining self-awareness is complex; it brings clarity but also ends the comfort of ignorance or innocence.
In plain terms
Realizing the truth about yourself is bittersweet.
What can you take from it?
Self-awareness brings clarity but also pain.

Where it applies

  • personal growth
  • introspection
  • coming of age

Putting it to work

  • accepting truth
  • valuing clarity

Questions to consider

  • Is ignorance bliss?
  • Do you prefer truth?

Another view

Sometimes ignorance does offer comfort in difficult times.

More from William Makepeace Thackeray

  1. Women like not only to conquer, but to be conquered.

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  2. Next to the very young, I suppose the very old are the most selfish.

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  3. The book of female logic is blotted all over with tears, and Justice in their courts is for ever in a passion.

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