Although to be driven back upon oneself is an uneasy…
““Although to be driven back upon oneself is an uneasy affair at best, rather like trying to cross a border with borrowed credentials, it seems to me now the one condition necessary to the beginning of self-respect. Most of our platitudes notwithstanding, self-deception remains the most difficult deception. The tricks that work on others count for nothing in that very well-lit back alley where one keeps assignations with oneself: no winning smiles will do here, no prettily drawn lists of good intentions.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Self‑respect begins when we confront ourselves honestly, shedding borrowed identities and false comforts, because self‑deception is harder to overcome than external criticism.
In simple terms: True self‑respect requires confronting inner lies.
Key Takeaway
Face yourself without pretense.
Themes
self‑respect
identity
honesty
self‑deception
Mood
introspective
challenging
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career evaluation
- personal relationships
- mental health therapy
- goal setting
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal “borrowed credentials” are you holding onto?
- How can you create a supportive environment for honest self‑assessment?
A Different Perspective
Self‑deception can be comforting; confronting it is painful.