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Illusions Quote by Edith Wharton

“Why do we call all our generous ideas illusions, and the mean ones truths.” quote by Edith Wharton
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““Why do we call all our generous ideas illusions, and the mean ones truths.””

Edith Wharton

About This Quote

Source Novel: The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, 1905

Society labels generosity as illusion and selfishness as truth, exposing moral hypocrisy.

In simple terms: Generosity seen as illusion, selfishness as truth.

Key Takeaway

Question societal double standards.

Themes

society morality hypocrisy

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • charitable work
  • business ethics
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

ethics social critique psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines true generosity?
  • How can we recognize authentic truth?
A Different Perspective

Not all generosity is illusory.

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