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"باید حقیقت را همان‌گونه لمس کرد که مارها را لمس می‌کنند با یک چوب."

Walter Benjamin
Walter Benjamin Philosopher
Translations
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Quote meaning
Sometimes, getting to the truth is pretty tricky business. It's like dealing with a snake—if you go at it with bare hands, you're just asking for trouble. The wise approach? Use a stick. This is really about being careful, maintaining a safe distance to protect yourself, and being smart about how you uncover sensitive or potentially dangerous information.

Think back to ancient times when people dealt with snakes regularly. They knew that approaching a snake without some sort of tool was risky. Using a stick allowed them to keep the snake at arm’s length, making it less likely they’d get bitten. This quote's idea is similar: when you’re trying to find the truth—especially if it’s something that could bite back—you need to be cautious and strategic.

Let’s bring this to the present. Imagine you’re a journalist digging into corruption allegations about a powerful politician. If you jump straight in, accusing people without solid evidence, you’re likely to face backlash—legal, social, or even physical harm. Instead, you gather evidence carefully, talk to sources off the record, and slowly piece together the story while protecting yourself and your sources. You're using a “stick” to prod the truth out safely.

So, what’s the practical takeaway here? When you’re dealing with sensitive information or trying to uncover the truth in a potentially volatile situation, use tools and strategies that give you space to maneuver. Don't rush in headfirst. Think about what you need to stay safe—whether it’s physical distance, legal protections, or just taking your time to get all the facts straight.

Imagine you’re at work, and there's a rumor that someone in the office is stealing supplies. You could confront them directly, which might lead to conflict, or worse, accuse them wrongly. Instead, you could use a “stick” by checking inventory records, installing a discreet camera, or just paying closer attention to what's going on without making a big scene. This way, you gather the truth without putting yourself in a difficult position.

Now, let’s put this in a more personal light. Think about your friend, let’s call her Lisa. She suspects her partner is cheating but doesn't have concrete proof. If she confronts her partner without evidence, it could lead to a huge argument, denial, or worse, damage their relationship beyond repair. Instead, she decides to look for subtle signs, maybe checks their social media activity, notices any changes in behavior, or talks to mutual friends. She’s using a “stick” to touch the truth, being careful and strategic, rather than diving in and potentially getting hurt.

When you’re navigating your own tricky truths, remember this wisdom. Approach cautiously. Use tools—or methods—that give you a buffer. Protect yourself, but stay persistent. Truth is important, but so is your safety and well-being. Just like handling a snake, you don’t want to get bitten. You want to be smart about it. So, next time you’re in a situation where you need to uncover the truth, think about that stick, and how you can use it to your advantage.
Related tags
Approach Caution Insight Knowledge Metaphor Philosophy Proverb Truth Understanding Wisdom
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