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They deem him their worst enemy who tells them the truth.
Plato
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Truth can often be uncomfortable, causing people to see the truth-teller as an enemy.

This quote by Plato highlights the paradox of truth-telling in society. When individuals are confronted with uncomfortable truths, they may react defensively and perceive the person revealing those truths as a foe, rather than as a friend. This dynamic illustrates how the pursuit of honest dialogue can lead to conflict, as people may prefer comforting lies over harsh realities.

Themes

TruthEnemySocietyHonestyPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about honesty in friendships.

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Quote by Plato | QuoteProject