Attitude Quote by James W. Loewen
“It is always useful to think badly about people one has exploited or plans to exploit... No one likes to think of him or herself as a bad person. To treat badly another person whom we consider a reasonable human being creates a tension between act and attitude that demands resolution. We cannot erase what we have done, and to alter our future behavior may not be in our interest. To change our attitude is easier.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Lies My Teacher Told Me, James W. Loewen, 1995
Recognizing our own exploitation creates inner conflict that must be resolved for ethical growth.
In simple terms: Seeing our own bad actions causes tension.
Key Takeaway
Address the tension by changing behavior.
Themes
ethics
self‑reflection
responsibility
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace dynamics
- social activism
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you align actions with a revised attitude?
- What steps can you take to make amends?
A Different Perspective
Changing attitude alone may not repair harm done.
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