The sole impulse which dictates and compels a man's every…
“The sole impulse which dictates and compels a man's every act: the imperious necessity of securing his own approval, in every emergency and at all costs… It is our only spur, our whip, our goad, our impelling power; we have no other.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human actions are driven by the need for self‑approval, a powerful internal motivator.
In simple terms: People act to please themselves above all.
Recognize and manage self‑approval drives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- leadership
- ethical dilemmas
- stress management
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your decisions?
- Can external validation replace self‑approval?
Self‑approval can lead to selfishness.