“The truth must be touched in the way snakes are touched, with a stick.”
— Walter Benjamin
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Simplified Meaning:
It's saying that sometimes, approaching the truth can be dangerous or difficult, much like touching a snake. You wouldn’t grab a snake with your bare hands because it might bite you; instead, you would use a stick to keep yourself safe. Similarly, when dealing with certain truths, it's wise to be cautious and find safe ways to handle or reveal them. For example, if you know a friend is doing something harmful, like lying or stealing, you wouldn't confront them harshly. Instead, you might gently hint at the problem or get help from someone they trust. This way, you address the truth without causing harm or escalation. The advice here is to think carefully and act wisely when dealing with sensitive issues.
Related tags
Approach Caution Insight Knowledge Metaphor Philosophy Proverb Truth Understanding Wisdom
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