Bias Quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“I can promise to be upright, but not to be without bias. [Ger., Aufrichtig zu sein kann ich versprechen; unparteiisch zu sein aber nicht.]”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Personal correspondence, 1795
He can promise uprightness but not impartiality; bias is inevitable.
In simple terms: Uprightness possible, bias not.
Accept bias while striving for integrity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- philosophical essays
- ethical debates
- personal letters
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you mitigate personal bias?
- When is bias acceptable?
Complete impartiality may be unrealistic.