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I thought my heart was pure. We do like to have such good…

“I thought my heart was pure. We do like to have such good opinions of our own motives when we're about to do something harmful, to someone else.” quote by Margaret Atwood
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““I thought my heart was pure. We do like to have such good opinions of our own motives when we're about to do something harmful, to someone else.””

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

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

People often overestimate their moral purity, especially before committing harmful acts, revealing self‑deception.

In simple terms: Self‑deception masks harmful intent.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate honest self‑assessment.

Themes

morality self‑deception intent humility

Mood

thoughtful cautionary

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • ethical training
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

ethical psychology cognitive bias moral licensing

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you justified a questionable action?
  • How can you check your motives before acting?
A Different Perspective

Self‑deception can be unconscious, making it hard to detect.

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