Cognitive dissonance Quote by Barbara A. Shapiro
““Did you ever hear of cognitive dissonance?” she asked. “No.” “Basically, it’s a theory that people subconsciously reinterpret their motives and actions in a way that makes them feel better about themselves afterward. And then they start to believe that the basis of the reinterpretation is also true.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Psychology Today, 2018
Cognitive dissonance describes how people reshape their beliefs to align with actions, reducing internal conflict and preserving self‑esteem.
In simple terms: People change beliefs to feel better about themselves.
Key Takeaway
Question your own rationalizations.
Themes
self‑deception
psychology
self‑image
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
psychological
educational
When to use this quote
- decision making
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
self‑justification
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you justified a contradictory action?
- How can you confront uncomfortable truths?
A Different Perspective
It can lead to denial of objective truth.
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