There's an honesty to the wolf world that is liberating. There's no diplomacy, no decorum. You tell your enemy you hate him; you show your admiration by confessing the truth. That directness doesn't work with humans, who are masters of subterfuge. Does this dress make me look fat? Do you really love me? Did you miss me? When a person asks this, she doesn't want to know the real answer. She wants you to lie to her. After two years of living with wolves, I had forgotten how many lies it takes to build a relationship.
The quote from Jodi Picoult's "Lone Wolf" highlights the stark contrast between the honesty found in the wolf world and the complicated nature of human communication. In the realm of wolves, there is a straightforwardness that is refreshing; emotions are expressed plainly without the need for subtext or hidden meanings. Whether it’s admiration or enmity, wolves communicate their feelings directly, creating a sense of liberation that contrasts sharply with human interactions.
In human relationships, however, there is a reliance on deceit and nuance. People often ask questions expecting responses that cater to their feelings rather than the brutal truth. This dynamic can create a web of lies that complicates connections over time. After immersing oneself in the candid world of wolves, the speaker realizes how ingrained these lies have become in human relationships, illustrating the challenge of authenticity in a society where honesty is often sacrificed for the sake of politeness.
