"Truth, for a great many people, is a kind of primary virtue, like honesty and chastity. If you accuse someone of telling lies, they are shocked; as though you had insinuated that he habitually committed adultery, or occasionally murdered his grandmother."
This quote by Lytton Strachey emphasizes the high value some people place on truthfulness, viewing it as a fundamental virtue similar to honesty and chastity. He suggests that when someone is accused of lying, they may react with shock, as if they had been accused of immoral acts such as adultery or murder. This underscores the deep-seated belief in truth among many individuals, who perceive dishonesty as a severe breach of trust and moral code.
"We have been so trained in hypocrisy, we are so familiarized with falsehood, that the truths which seem to us most self-evident are not always the most convincing to others."
This quote by Lytton Strachey suggests a profound observation about human nature, particularly regarding deception and honesty. Strachey is pointing out that due to our longstanding exposure to hypocrisy and falsehood, we often find it difficult to recognize the truth as compelling or convincing to others. In other words, people may be so accustomed to dishonesty that they struggle to accept the straightforwardness and authenticity of the truth. This quote underscores the importance of honesty and self-awareness in our interactions with others, as we strive to break through the layers of deception and reach a more genuine understanding.
"The only excuse for making a woman cry is giving her a piece of news so delightful that she can't help it."
This quote suggests that a man should only make a woman cry if he shares with her exceptionally joyous or exciting news that she can't contain her emotion, hence causing tears of happiness. In other words, it implies that the most acceptable reason for a woman to shed tears is due to overwhelmingly positive news.
"The difficulty is not in any new idea or practice, but in persuading the good people who are doing their best to get rid of the old one."
This quote suggests that change can be challenging primarily due to resistance from individuals who are already invested in existing systems, practices, or beliefs, even if those systems may not be optimal. It implies that a new idea or practice often faces obstacles when trying to supplant an old one, because the 'good people' (those maintaining the status quo) feel comfortable with what they know and may perceive change as a threat, rather than an improvement. The key to overcoming this difficulty lies in effectively communicating the benefits of the new idea or practice and addressing the concerns of those who are resisting it.
"History is not one kind of writing, but many: a vast and various multitude, each with its own peculiar manner, its own laws, its own idiom, its own spirit."
This quote by Lytton Strachey suggests that history is a diverse field with numerous distinct styles, rules, languages, and perspectives. He emphasizes that history is not a single homogeneous entity but rather a vast, complex tapestry woven from countless narratives. This perspective encourages us to appreciate the richness and complexity of historical understanding, as well as recognize the importance of considering multiple viewpoints when studying and interpreting the past.
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