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It's only words... unless they're true.
David Mamet
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Words hold power, but their significance lies in their truthfulness.

This quote emphasizes the importance of truth in communication. While words can be mere sounds or expressions, if they are not grounded in truth, they lose their weight and significance. It suggests that authenticity and honesty are what give words their true meaning and impact.

Themes

WordsTruthCommunicationPowerAuthenticity

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about honesty in leadership, one might say, 'It's only words... unless they're true.'

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