Obstinacy is will asserting itself without being able to…
“Obstinacy is will asserting itself without being able to justify itself. It is persistence without a reasonable motive. It is the tenacity of self-love substituted for that of reason and conscience.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote warns that stubbornness can become irrational when it lacks justification, turning into selfishness instead of reasoned conscience.
In simple terms: Stubbornness without reason becomes selfish.
Question reason over blind persistence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives drive your persistence?
- How can you test if your tenacity is justified?
Blind persistence can harm relationships and outcomes.