Desire Quote by Iris Murdoch
“Possibly, more people kill themselves and others out of hurt vanity than out of envy, jealousy, malice or desire for revenge.”
About This Quote
People often act out of pride and self‑importance rather than simple negative emotions like envy or revenge.
In simple terms: Vanity drives harmful actions more than jealousy.
Key Takeaway
Check your motives before acting.
Themes
pride
human nature
psychology
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- relationships
- workplace
- politics
- social media
Key Concepts
self‑importance
ego
motivations
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your actions more: pride or fear?
- How can humility reduce harm?
A Different Perspective
Vanity can be justified as self‑preservation.
![“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)
