Motives Quote by Margaret Atwood
““I thought my heart was pure. We do like to have such good opinions of our own motives when we're about to do something harmful, to someone else.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Handmaid’s Tale, 1985
People often overestimate their moral purity, especially before committing harmful acts, revealing self‑deception.
In simple terms: Self‑deception masks harmful intent.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate honest self‑assessment.
Themes
morality
self‑deception
intent
humility
Mood
thoughtful
cautionary
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- ethical training
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
ethical psychology
cognitive bias
moral licensing
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you justified a questionable action?
- How can you check your motives before acting?
A Different Perspective
Self‑deception can be unconscious, making it hard to detect.
