"I prefer the honest jargon of reality to the outright lies of books"

Jean Rostand's quote speaks to the concept that truth is extra truthful than publications. He thinks that books can be full of lies, while truth is a lot more truthful. This can be interpreted as a criticism of publications that are not based in reality, such as fiction or dream. Rostand is suggesting that these types of publications are not as honest as fact, which it is much better to rely on fact for fact. He is likewise indicating that books can be misleading, which it is far better to depend on truth for accurate info. This quote could also be interpreted as a call to be much more mindful of the details we take in, as well as to be more knowledgeable about the resources of our knowledge. Inevitably, Rostand is suggesting that reality is a lot more sincere than publications, and that it is much better to count on reality for fact.