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Anger Quote by Michel de Montaigne

“How often, being moved under a false cause, if the person offending makes a good defense and presents us with a just excuse, are we angry against truth and innocence itself?” quote by Michel de Montaigne
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“How often, being moved under a false cause, if the person offending makes a good defense and presents us with a just excuse, are we angry against truth and innocence itself?”

Michel de Montaigne

About This Quote

Source Essay: Essays, Book I, 1580

When we justify wrongdoing with a plausible excuse, we may irrationally blame truth and innocence.

In simple terms: Excuses can misdirect anger away from the real cause.

Key Takeaway

Question motives before blaming.

Themes

justice truth misdirection

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • courtroom
  • personal conflict
  • political debate
  • media criticism

Key Concepts

moral philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we accept convenient defenses?
  • How can we stay objective?
A Different Perspective

Excuses may be manipulative but not always intentional.

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