Desire Quote by Dan Ariely
“individuals are honest only to the extent that suits them (including their desire to please others)”
About This Quote
Source Book: Predictably Irrational, 2008
People are honest only when it benefits them, often to gain approval from others.
In simple terms: Honesty depends on personal benefit and desire to please.
Key Takeaway
Recognize self‑interest in honesty.
Themes
honesty
self‑interest
social approval
behavior
Mood
analytical
insightful
Type
behavioral
psychological
When to use this quote
- workplace
- friendships
- marketing
- negotiations
Key Concepts
behavioral economics
psychology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you been honest despite no benefit?
- How does desire to please shape truth?
A Different Perspective
People can act honestly even when it doesn’t serve them.
![“[..] we human beings are ready and willing to steal something that does not explicitly reference monetary value - that is, something that lacks the face of a dead president.” quote by Dan Ariely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a1f/dan-ariely-1899_funny_we-human-beings-are-ready-and-willing-to_4436.jpg)
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
