I have often been asked to be fair and view a matter from…
“I have often been asked to be fair and view a matter from all sides. I did so, hoping that something might improve if I viewed allsides of it. But the result was the same. So I went back to viewing things only from one side, which saves me a lot of work and disappointment. For it is comforting to regard something as bad and to be able to use one's prejudice as an excuse.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Attempting impartiality can be exhausting and unproductive; embracing bias offers emotional ease at the cost of truth.
In simple terms: Bias simplifies decision‑making.
Key Takeaway
Prejudice can be a convenient shortcut.
Themes
cognitive bias
effort vs. comfort
ethical relativism
self‑deception
Mood
skeptical
cynical
Type
aphorism
social commentary
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- conflict resolution
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
confirmation bias
motivated reasoning
Practical Applications
- critical thinking training
- bias‑awareness workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- When does simplifying a problem become harmful?
- How can we balance fairness with emotional well‑being?
A Different Perspective
While bias reduces effort, it also entrenches misunderstanding and hampers progress.