Good intentions Quote by Joan Didion
““Although to be driven back upon oneself is an uneasy affair at best, rather like trying to cross a border with borrowed credentials, it seems to me now the one condition necessary to the beginning of self-respect. Most of our platitudes notwithstanding, self-deception remains the most difficult deception. The tricks that work on others count for nothing in that very well-lit back alley where one keeps assignations with oneself: no winning smiles will do here, no prettily drawn lists of good intentions.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “On Self‑Respect,” 1976
Self‑respect begins when we confront ourselves honestly, shedding borrowed identities and false comforts, because self‑deception is harder to overcome than external criticism.
In simple terms: True self‑respect requires confronting inner lies.
Key Takeaway
Face yourself without pretense.
Themes
self‑respect
identity
honesty
self‑deception
Mood
introspective
challenging
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career evaluation
- personal relationships
- mental health therapy
- goal setting
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal “borrowed credentials” are you holding onto?
- How can you create a supportive environment for honest self‑assessment?
A Different Perspective
Self‑deception can be comforting; confronting it is painful.
