Action Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
“One will seldom go wrong if one attributes extreme actions to vanity, average ones to habit, and pretty ones to fear.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Beyond Good and Evil, 1886
People explain actions by attributing extreme deeds to vanity, average deeds to habit, and attractive deeds to fear, revealing bias in moral judgment.
In simple terms: We blame vanity, habit, or fear for others' actions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question these attributions.
Themes
psychology
morality
bias
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership decisions
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
self‑presentation
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assign motives to others?
- Can you see alternative explanations?
A Different Perspective
Attributions may oversimplify complex motivations.
