A short story is the ultimate close-up magic trick -- a couple of thousand words to take you around the universe or break your heart.
Neil GaimanRead
I believe in absolute honesty and sensible social lies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests a balance between complete honesty and the necessity of certain social untruths for harmony.
Neil Gaiman's quote highlights the paradox of human communication, where absolute honesty can sometimes harm relationships, while social lies may serve to maintain social bonds or facilitate harmony. It reflects on the complexity of interpersonal dynamics, suggesting that while truth is important, there are instances where a degree of deception can be pragmatic and even kind.
Themes
HonestyTruthSocial LiesRelationshipsCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on ethics in a philosophy class.
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