This quote from Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose delves into the complex relationship between truth, perception, and moral judgment. It highlights how truth is not always universally accessible or welcome; sometimes it must be tailored to the listener’s capacity, willingness, or readiness to face it. In this sense, truth isn’t an absolute that is inherently self-evident or easily digestible, but rather something constrained by context and the nature of the observer.

Moreover, the second part of the quote touches on self-deception or the variations of moral sensitivity, where not everyone who preaches piety or virtue is necessarily adept at discerning falsehoods. This suggests an inherent tension between innocence or goodness and critical judgment. A "pious soul" might prefer comforting illusions or be unable to confront harsh realities because of emotional, ethical, or psychological reasons.

This duality reminds us how human cognition and ethics are intertwined and that communication is more than just transmitting facts—it is a matter of trust, readiness, and sometimes discretion. Eco’s reflection speaks to the difficulty of navigating the grey areas of honesty and deceit within human relationships and society, suggesting a nuanced view where moral and epistemic humility are necessary. It invites readers to consider when and how truths should be shared and who is truly equipped to understand or accept them, which remains relevant in our modern era of information overload and moral complexity.