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Forgiveness Quote by Agatha Christie

“The result of pretending to be a more amiable, a more forgiving, a more high-minded person than one really is, has sooner or later the effect of causing one to behave as a more disagreeable, a more ruthless and an altogether more unpleasant person than is actually the case! If you dam the stream…” quote by Agatha Christie
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““The result of pretending to be a more amiable, a more forgiving, a more high-minded person than one really is, has sooner or later the effect of causing one to behave as a more disagreeable, a more ruthless and an altogether more unpleasant person than is actually the case! If you dam the stream of natural behaviour, mon ami, sooner or later the dam bursts and a cataclysm occurs!””

Agatha Christie

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, 1926

Pretending to be better than you are creates inner tension that eventually erupts into negative behavior.

In simple terms: Fake virtue leads to real ugliness.

Key Takeaway

Be authentic to avoid backlash.

Themes

authenticity self‑deception psychology

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • workplace dynamics
  • leadership
  • self‑improvement

Key Concepts

cognitive dissonance self‑image behavioral backlash

Questions to Reflect On

  • What virtues are you faking?
  • How does authenticity change your interactions?
A Different Perspective

If you hide true feelings, the pressure may cause a sudden breakdown.

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