In Salman Rushdie's book "The Ground Beneath Her Feet," the statement "Honesty is not the best policy in life. Only, perhaps, in art" suggests that while truthfulness may be essential in artistic expression, it does not necessarily hold the same value in everyday life. Life often requires a balance of truths and untruths to navigate complexities and human relationships effectively.

This perspective invites readers to consider the nuances of honesty. In art, honesty can bring about deep emotional connections and authenticity, but in life, the situations we face may require us to bend the truth for the sake of compassion or practicality. Therefore, the quote highlights a distinctive difference between living authentically in creative endeavors and managing the intricacies of real-world interactions.