Choices Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“To seek a justification for a decision already made.”
About This Quote
Source Short story: "The Devil's Dictionary", 1906
It describes rationalizing a decision after it’s already taken, rather than seeking true justification before acting.
In simple terms: Justifying after the fact.
Key Takeaway
Beware post‑hoc rationalization.
Themes
cognition
self‑deception
decision‑making
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal choices
- political policies
- business strategies
- legal defenses
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
self‑justification
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we feel the need to justify after acting?
- How can we prevent hindsight bias?
A Different Perspective
May ignore evidence that contradicts the decision.
