Better to be whipped than humoured; better to be crushed than cherished.… It was a woman told me that. I live in a world of men, my dear,' Lymond had said. 'I love you all, but I shall never marry you.
The quote suggests that being honest or truthful, even if it causes pain or discomfort, is preferable to being flattered or manipulated into false happiness. It emphasizes the value of integrity over superficial comfort, implying that facing harsh truths is ultimately more meaningful than avoiding them with false or temporary pleasures.
In the context of the book Queens' Play by Dorothy Dunnett, the character Lymond expresses his dedication to honesty and his awareness of the gender dynamics around him. Despite his love for women and his respect for them, he chooses not to marry, highlighting a complex view on relationships and personal principles. This underscores a world where truth and personal conviction hold more significance than societal expectations or superficial kindness.
