About Quote by John Leo
“I spend some of my time brooding about people who seem addicted to double standards - those who take an allegedly principled stand on a Monday, then switch firmly to the opposite principle on Tuesday if it is to their advantage.”
About This Quote
Source Article: New York Magazine, 1995
People often shift principles for personal gain, exposing hypocrisy.
In simple terms: People change values when it benefits them.
Key Takeaway
Watch for double standards.
Themes
integrity
hypocrisy
principles
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
ethical
observational
When to use this quote
- political debates
- corporate policies
- personal friendships
- public statements
Key Concepts
ethics
social psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates a change in stance?
- How can we encourage consistent values?
A Different Perspective
Not all apparent double standards are intentional; context matters.
![“[D]rawing up 'secret war plans' for a possible attack on Iraq wasn't irrational. The low-level war against Saddam was 12 years old, with no end in sight. American and British pilots were getting shot at, sanctions weren't working, and Bush was getting warnings that Saddam had all those terrible…” quote by John Leo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/381/john-leo-26447_america_d-rawing-up-secret-war-plans-for-a-possi_786209.jpg)
