Clear Quote by Eric Hoffer
“It is apparently vital that we should be in the dark about ourselves not to be clear about our intentions, fears, and hopes. There is a stubborn effort in us to set up a compact screen between consciousness and the self.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The True Believer, 1951
People hide from self‑knowledge, creating mental barriers that block true understanding of motives.
In simple terms: We avoid self‑reflection, building walls between mind and self.
Key Takeaway
Practice honest self‑examination.
Themes
self‑knowledge
psychology
authenticity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- therapy
- personal growth
- leadership development
Key Concepts
defense mechanisms
self‑deception
introspection
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner screens have you built?
- How can you safely lower them?
A Different Perspective
Self‑deception can become entrenched and hard to break.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
