We cannot know the whole truth, which belongs to God alone, but our task nevertheless is to seek to know what is true. And if we offend gravely enough against what we know to be true, as by failing badly enough to deal affectionately and responsibly with our land and our neighbors, truth will retaliate with ugliness, poverty, and disease.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of pursuing knowledge of the truth even though we cannot fully comprehend it, as it is reserved for God alone. Our responsibility is to strive for understanding what is true. However, if we fail to treat our environment and our fellow human beings with care, love, and responsibility, we will face consequences. These consequences could manifest in the form of ugliness, poverty, and disease as truth responds to our offensive actions. Thus, the quote conveys the necessity of seeking truth and acting accordingly to avoid negative repercussions.