In a lot of ways I agree with you Caroline. If what you're going to say is going to hurt someone, should you say it? Right or wrong, I'm not one to hurt someones feelings on purpose...like you said, it would be hurtful to tell someone what they were wearing was not cute. BUT what if the truth you are telling is helpful to that person or someone else? Suppose your friend came and told you something that they did really mean to someone else and wanted you to agree that what they did was funny, or okay, not bad? Should you tell the truth then even though your friend might get made at you? What about when your friend tells you a joke that makes fun of other people, or countries or beliefs. If those types of jokes bother you, should you tell the truth to your friend? I think that's more what this quote is about...telling people the truth when they are acting or saying things that are unkind to other people, cultures or beliefs. One of the greatest kindnesses we can show another person/group is to defend them when no one else will...that's what I think that quote means. Does that make sense?