But it is no use to justify yourself. It is no good to explain. It is weak to be anecdotal. It is wise to conceal the past even if there is nothing to conceal. A man's power is in the half-light, in the half-seen movements of his hand and the unguessed-at expression of his face. It is the absence of facts that frightens people: the gap you open, into which they pour their fears, fantasies, desires.
The quote highlights the futility of self-justification and the weaknesses of over-explaining oneself, suggesting that one should remain enigmatic rather than revealing every detail of their past or emotions. The emphasis is on the strength found in ambiguity, as the subtlety of a person's gestures and expressions can communicate more powerfully than words. By withholding certain truths, a person retains a form of control and intrigue that can impact others profoundly.
