QuoteProject
There are things that I canna tell you, at least not yet. And I'll ask nothing of ye that ye canna give me. But what I would ask of ye---when you do tell me something, let it be the truth. And I'll promise ye the same. We have nothing now between us, save---respect, perhaps. And I think that respect has maybe room for secrets, but not for lies. Do ye agree?
Diana Gabaldon
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of honesty and respect in relationships, accepting that some truths may be withheld.

In this quote, the speaker acknowledges the complexities of communication and connection, suggesting that while some things may remain unspoken, the foundation of any relationship must be built on mutual respect and honesty. The essence of the statement is the call for transparent and truthful exchanges, suggesting that while secrets may exist, they should never lead to deceit, as respect cannot thrive in an environment of lies.

Themes

TruthRespectHonestyRelationshipsCommunication

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about trust in relationships during a workshop.

More from Diana Gabaldon

Does it ever stop? The wanting you?" "Even when I've just left ye. I want you so much my chest feels tight and my fingers ache with wanting to touch ye again.
Diana GabaldonRead
But a man is not forgotten, as long as there are two people left under the sky. One, to tell the story; the other, to hear it.
Diana GabaldonRead
You are at some point exposed to a wonderful story, and you really want to know what happens next, so you learn to read in order to find out.
Diana GabaldonRead
Conflict and character are the heart of good fiction, and good mystery has both of those in spades.
Diana GabaldonRead
Do you know,' he said again softly, addressing his hands, 'what it is to love someone, and never - never! - be able to give them peace, or joy, or happiness?' He looked up then, eyes filled with pain. 'To know that you cannot give them happiness, not through any fault of yours or theirs, but only because you were not born the right person for them?
Diana GabaldonRead
Hard to believe lightning can strike twice, but it surely did. The moment Caitriona Balfe came on screen, I sat up straight and said, ‘There she is!’ She and Sam Heughan absolutely lit up the screen with fireworks.
Diana GabaldonRead

Similar quotes

If you have doubts about someone, lay on a couple of jokes. If he doesn't find anything funny, your radar should be screaming. Then I would say be patient with people who are negative, because they're really having a hard time.
Michael J. FoxRead
When the scary subject of race is finally broached, kids want to talk and talk. It's very satisfying.
Ruby BridgesRead
And do as adversaries do in law, strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
William ShakespeareRead
Palestinians will never realize their independence by denying the right of Israel to exist.
Barack ObamaRead
you may fume and fidget as you please: but this is the best plan to pursue with you, I am certain. I like you more than I can say; but I’ll not sink into a bathos of sentiment: and with this needle of repartee I’ll keep you from the edge of the gulf too; and, moreover, maintain by its pungent aid that distance between you and myself most conducive to our real mutual advantage.
Charlotte BronteRead
For the way loneliness is worse when you return to it after a reprieve—like the soul’s version of putting on a wet bathing suit, clammy and miserable.
Laini TaylorRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.