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Follow not truth too near the heels, lest it dash out thy teeth.
George Herbert
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Interpretation

What this quote means

One should be cautious in pursuing the truth, as it can sometimes lead to painful consequences.

This quote by George Herbert suggests that while seeking the truth is important, being overly zealous in that pursuit can result in negative outcomes. It serves as a reminder to tread carefully and wisely when delving into the complexities of truth, as relentlessly chasing it can lead to harm or disillusionment.

Themes

TruthWisdomCautionConsequencesPursuit

In practice

Example use cases

During a seminar on ethical journalism, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of careful truth-seeking.

More from George Herbert

Bells call others, but themselves enter not into the Church.
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The wine in the bottle does not quench thirst.
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Living well is the best revenge.
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Be not too presumptuously sure in any business; for things of this world depend on such a train of unseen chances that if it were in man's hands to set the tables, still he would not be certain to win the game.
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There is an hour wherein a man might be happy all his life, could he find it.
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For want of a naile the shoe is lost, for want of a shoe the horse is lost, for want of a horse the rider is lost.
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