when we badly want a thing, we go to hunting for good and…
“when we badly want a thing, we go to hunting for good and righteous reasons for it; we give it that fine name to comfort our consciences, whereas we privately know we are only hunting for plausible ones.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People rationalize selfish motives by assigning noble labels, masking true intent.
In simple terms: We call selfish wants “good” to feel better.
Key Takeaway
Question your motives.
Themes
ethics
self‑deception
motivation
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- marketing decisions
- political speeches
- personal goals
Key Concepts
psychology
moral reasoning
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we need moral cover for our wants?
- Can honesty improve decision‑making?
A Different Perspective
Not all desires are justifiable; some are harmful.