Disagreeable Quote by Margaret Oliphant
“One only says it is one's duty when one has something disagreeable to do.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Paradox of the Old World, 1878
People claim duty only when faced with unpleasant tasks, revealing self‑justification.
In simple terms: Duty is invoked to mask dislike of work.
Key Takeaway
Recognize true motives behind “duty”.
Themes
self‑deception
responsibility
motivation
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- workplace
- volunteering
- family obligations
- personal projects
Key Concepts
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do you label undesirable tasks as duty?
- How can you reframe obligations without self‑deception?
A Different Perspective
May ignore genuine passion for convenience.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
