Choice Quote by Mary McCarthy
“If someone tells you he is going to make a realistic decision, you immediately understand that he is going to do something bad.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Group by Mary McCarthy, 1963
People who claim to be purely rational often mask ulterior motives, leading to distrust.
In simple terms: Claims of pure rationality can hide bad intentions.
Question motives behind overly rational claims.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- political speeches
- personal relationships
- legal arguments
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we trust rationality?
- How can we detect hidden agendas?
Rationality can be a veneer for self‑interest, not a guarantee of goodness.