It is a funny thing. A man can make a promise to his God…
““It is a funny thing. A man can make a promise to his God, break it five minutes later and never think about it. With an idle shrug of his shoulders, a man can break solemn promises to his mother, wife or sweetheart, and, except for a slight momentary twinge of conscience, he still won't be bothered very much. But if a man ever breaks a promise to himself he disintegrates. His entire personality and character crumble into tiny pieces, and he is never the same man again. I remember very well a sergeant I knew in the army. Before a group of five men he swore off smoking forever. An hour later he sheepishly lit a cigarette and broke his vow to the five of us and to himself. He was never quite the same man again, not to me, and not to himself.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Breaking a promise to oneself erodes identity, while breaking promises to others is less damaging.
In simple terms: Self‑breaks shatter character.
Key Takeaway
Guard personal vows.
Themes
integrity
self‑discipline
identity
consequences
trust
Mood
thoughtful
cautionary
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- quitting smoking
- diet commitments
- financial goals
- personal pledges
Key Concepts
psychology of self‑promise
moral accountability
character formation
Questions to Reflect On
- Why are self‑promises harder to keep?
- What strategies protect personal commitments?
A Different Perspective
Self‑promises are hard to enforce and may cause harsh self‑judgment.