Assuming Quote by David D. Burns
“It's irrational to assume you can ever truly evaluate yourself as a good or bad human being. You will never have enough information.That "bad person" at work who torments you might be an excellent father to his kids. That other "bad person" at work who screwed up royally today? That error might later lead to a huge breakthrough. We will never have enough info to holistically evaluate a person and score them in totality as "bad" or "good."”
About This Quote
Source Book: Feeling Good Again, 1990
Self‑evaluation is limited by incomplete information; labeling others as wholly good or bad is unreliable and overlooks complexity.
In simple terms: We can’t fully judge ourselves or others.
Key Takeaway
Avoid absolute moral judgments.
Themes
self‑awareness
judgment
complexity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
psychological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace dynamics
- therapy
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
holistic view
human complexity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you hold nuanced views of people?
- What evidence do you need before judging?
A Different Perspective
Over‑analysis can lead to paralysis.
