The commonest weakness of our race is our ability to…
“The commonest weakness of our race is our ability to rationalize our most selfish purposes.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humans often justify selfish actions through rationalization.
In simple terms: We excuse selfishness with logic.
Key Takeaway
Question your motives.
Themes
ethics
human nature
selfishness
Mood
thought‑provoking
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- political decision making
- corporate strategy
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
rationalization
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What selfish motive have you justified recently?
- How can you recognize rationalization in decisions?
A Different Perspective
Rationalizations can become entrenched beliefs, making change hard.