About this quote

We love to praise absolute truthfulness, but society often runs on a series of polite fictions and strategic silences. Have you ever noticed how uncomfortable total transparency actually makes people? People say they want the truth, but they usually prefer a comfortable compromise that keeps the peace. Carlin forces us to look at our moral hierarchies with a cold, sarcastic eye. Instead of pretending we are always perfect, we have to admit that we often settle for the easier option just to get through the day.

When to use it

• When your boss asks if you love the new corporate restructuring plan during a staff meeting, and you choose to smile and nod rather than share your actual concerns.
• When your partner asks if you like their grandmother's heirloom velvet sofa, and you say it has a unique character to avoid a week-long argument.
• Selling your old car on Craigslist and deciding not to mention that the passenger side window occasionally rolls down on its own.
• Saying you already have plans when an acquaintance invites you to a four-hour amateur slide-show presentation of their vacation photos.