To be suspicious is not a fault. To be suspicious all the time without coming to a conclusion is the defect.
Lu XunRead
Lies written in ink cannot disguise facts written in blood.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the permanence of truth over deceit. Written lies cannot change the reality of harsh truths.
Lu Xun's quote suggests that no matter how beautifully or eloquently lies may be presented, they cannot alter the underlying truths that exist. The imagery of 'ink' represents falsehoods that may seem convincing, while 'blood' symbolizes the harsh, undeniable realities of life. This highlights the importance of recognizing and confronting truth, regardless of the comfort that lies might provide.
Themes
TruthLiesFactsDeceitHonesty
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on integrity, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of honesty.
More from Lu Xun
All quotes βI felt that if a man's proposals met with approval, it should encourage him; if they met with opposition, it should make him fight back; but the real tragedy for him was to lift up his voice among the living and meet with no response neither approval nor opposition just as if he were left helpless in a boundless desert.
Lu XunRead
I thought: hope cannot be said to exist, nor can it be said not to exist. It is just like roads across the earth. For actually the earth had no roads to begin with, but when many men pass one way, a road is made.
Lu XunRead
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