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There is no sickness worse for me than words that to be kind must lie.
Aeschylus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Aeschylus expresses the idea that false kindness is more harmful than any physical ailment.

This quote suggests that insincerity in communication can be more damaging than illness itself. Aeschylus highlights the importance of honesty in our interactions, implying that words meant to be kind but lacking truth create a deeper malaise in relationships and personal integrity.

Themes

HonestyTruthKindnessSincerityCommunication

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of integrity in leadership, one might quote Aeschylus to emphasize the value of honesty.

More from Aeschylus

A god implants in mortal guilt whenever he wants utterly to confound a house.
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Neither a life of anarchy nor a life under a despot should you praise. To all that lies in the middle has a god given excellence.
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In every tyrant's heart there springs in the end this poison, that he cannot trust a friend.
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It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
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In war, truth is the first casualty.
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There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.
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