4 ms·
This reminds me of a quote from the late Ursula K. Le Guin: > I talk about the gods, I am an atheist. But I am an artist too, and therefore a liar. Distrust ev
by kijin 8y ago
This reminds me of a quote from the late Ursula K. Le Guin:
> I talk about the gods, I am an atheist. But I am an artist too, and therefore a liar. Distrust everything I say. I am telling the truth.
The novelist produces statements that are blatantly untrue, knowing that they are untrue. The reader also knows that none of the stuff they're reading is true, yet is able to suspend disbelief and enjoy the story while it lasts. The story might be full of lies, but the enjoyment is true. The message contained in the novel might also be true, as is the person you become after having read many a classic. So it seems that a well-written falsehood can sometimes convey truth better than raw truth itself.
- DoreenMichele 8y agoDistrust everything I say. I am telling the truth. Nice. It is akin to my favorite movie line: I'm too truthful to be good.
- Uberphallus 8y agoMy personal line is "Truthful 50% of the time. Lying 50% of the time. Exaggerating 50% of the time."
- icebraining 8y agoThe whole text (it's an introduction to the Left Hand of Darkness) is great: http://theliterarylink.com/leguinintro.html http://theliterarylink.com/leguinintro.html
- kwhitefoot 8y agoGod, I miss her (and I'm an atheist too). I never knew her except though her books but I miss her nonetheless.
- thinkingemote 8y agoI think this is what separates it as Science Fiction as opposed to ancient classical legend telling or religious texts. I'm now thinking about L Ron Hubbard and Scientology - perhaps it's too easy to switch from "this is a lie, I am telling the truth" to "This is not a lie, I am telling the truth". All great writers will also write truthfully - their works will have truths in them, even if it's fiction - I think thats how they are recognised as being great. I once worked with someone who viewed all types of fiction, including science fiction as "bullshit". He would only read non fiction. I felt sad for him for missing the point.
- specialist 8y agoWow. It's true because we (the audience) want it to be true. More than suspension of disbelief, it's buy-in. I've read A LOT of sci-fi. And I very much bought into the beliefs (of my favored authors). Le Guin could just as easily be talking about current events. Today, we call it "make your own reality". Thank you. I hadn't connected these dots before.