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This is all for the sake of the House,” he told himself…

“This is all for the sake of the House,” he told himself, but behind his resolve he sensed, indistinctly, a certain effort at self-vindication, and the awareness hovered there like a barely perceptible halo around the moon.” quote by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
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““This is all for the sake of the House,” he told himself, but behind his resolve he sensed, indistinctly, a certain effort at self-vindication, and the awareness hovered there like a barely perceptible halo around the moon.””

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

About This Quote

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

The narrator rationalizes his actions as duty, yet hints at self-justification, revealing inner conflict.

In simple terms: He pretends duty masks self‑interest.

Key Takeaway

Examine motives behind claimed noble actions.

Themes

duty self‑justification inner conflict honor psychology

Mood

introspective critical philosophical

Type

psychological literary ethical

When to use this quote

  • political decision‑making
  • personal ethics
  • leadership
  • legal defense
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

moral ambiguity identity existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we disguise selfish motives as higher purposes?
  • How does self‑justification affect accountability?
A Different Perspective

Self‑interest can masquerade as altruism, distorting truth.

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