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Man made God in his own image, so it's natural he should…

“Man made God in his own image, so it's natural he should love him. You know those distorting mirrors at fairs. Man's made a beautifying mirror too in which he sees himself lovely and powerful and just and wise. It's his idea of himself. He recognizes himself easier than in the distorting mirror…” quote by Graham Greene
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““Man made God in his own image, so it's natural he should love him. You know those distorting mirrors at fairs. Man's made a beautifying mirror too in which he sees himself lovely and powerful and just and wise. It's his idea of himself. He recognizes himself easier than in the distorting mirror which only makes him laugh, but how he loves himself in the other.””

Graham Greene

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage critiques self‑idolization, comparing it to looking into a flattering mirror that reinforces ego rather than confronting true self‑image.

In simple terms: Self‑love can become vanity when based on false reflections.

Key Takeaway

Beware ego inflated by flattering self‑views.

Themes

ego self‑image vanity

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • leadership
  • media influence
  • therapy

Key Concepts

identity psychology self‑perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you distinguish healthy self‑respect from ego?
  • What mirrors reflect your true self?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on self‑praise can blind one to flaws.

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