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For the decisions of our will are often so directly…

“For the decisions of our will are often so directly opposed to the decisions of our emotions, that, if we are in the habit of considering our emotions as the test, we shall be very apt to feel like hypocrites in declaring those things to be real which our will alone has decided.” quote by Hannah Whitall Smith
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“For the decisions of our will are often so directly opposed to the decisions of our emotions, that, if we are in the habit of considering our emotions as the test, we shall be very apt to feel like hypocrites in declaring those things to be real which our will alone has decided.”

Hannah Whitall Smith

About This Quote

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

Will and emotion often clash; relying solely on emotion can feel hypocritical.

In simple terms: Will vs. emotion conflict.

Key Takeaway

Balance rational will with emotional insight.

Themes

self‑control authenticity inner conflict

Mood

introspective philosophical

Type

spiritual ethical

When to use this quote

  • decision making
  • personal growth
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

cognitive dissonance moral psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you felt conflicted?
  • How can you integrate feeling and reasoning?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on will can ignore valuable emotional cues.

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