Self-deception is so far from impossible that it is one of…
“Self-deception is so far from impossible that it is one of the most ordinary phenomena with which we are acquainted. Nothing is more usual than for a man to impute his actions to honorable motives when it is nearly demonstrable that they flowed from some corrupt and contemptible force.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Self‑deception is common; people often rationalize wrongful actions as noble, masking corrupt motives behind respectable explanations.
In simple terms: People lie to themselves about why they act badly.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind your actions.
Themes
morality
self‑deception
human nature
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- political rhetoric
- personal conflicts
- legal defenses
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
ethical introspection
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives do you hide from yourself?
- How can you uncover true intentions?
A Different Perspective
It may understate the role of unconscious impulses.