Avoiding Quote by M. Scott Peck
“An unconscious, gentle process whereby people who want to be loving attempt to be so by telling little white lies, by withholding some of the truth about themselves and their feelings in order to avoid conflict. Pseudocommunity is conflict-avoiding; true community is conflict-resolving.”
About This Quote
Source Book: People of the Heart, M. Scott Peck, 1978
People often tell harmless lies to avoid conflict, creating a false sense of community; true community resolves conflict openly.
In simple terms: White lies preserve peace but hinder genuine connection.
Key Takeaway
Embrace honest dialogue to build real community.
Themes
conflict avoidance
authenticity
relationships
Mood
reflective
candid
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- friendships
- family gatherings
- team meetings
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you chosen a white lie?
- How can you turn conflict into growth?
A Different Perspective
Honesty can cause temporary discomfort.
![“I can hardly believe what these 12 caricatures [about Prophet Muhammad] have caused in the world. We Danes feel like we have been placed in a scene in the wrong movie. But I don't see the fight as a clash of civilizations. Rather, we must focus on avoiding exactly this type of conflict. We have to…” quote by Anders Fogh Rasmussen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8d8/anders-fogh-rasmussen-21056_acknowledgement_i-can-hardly-believe-what-these-12-caric_14933.jpg)
