We can at least try to understand our own motives…
“We can at least try to understand our own motives, passions, and prejudices, so as to be conscious of what we are doing when we apeal to those of others. This is very difficult, because our own prejudice and emotional bias always seems to us so rational.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Understanding our own motives reveals hidden biases that shape how we influence others.
In simple terms: Know yourself to see how you affect others.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on personal bias before persuading.
Themes
self-awareness
bias
communication
Mood
introspective
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- leadership meetings
- personal relationships
- public speaking
- media analysis
Key Concepts
psychology
ethical persuasion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your hidden biases affect your decisions?
- Can you separate emotion from reason?
A Different Perspective
Self‑knowledge is hard; biases feel rational.