Able Quote by Rebecca West
“Human beings are mercifully so constituted as to be able to conceal from themselves what they intend to do until they are well into the doing of it.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Return of the Soldier, 1915
She notes that people often hide their true intentions from themselves until actions are underway.
In simple terms: People conceal intentions until acting.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront hidden motives early.
Themes
self‑awareness
psychology
intentionality
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
psychological
reflective
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- self‑reflection exercises
- leadership coaching
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
self‑deception
behavioral insight
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you uncover hidden motives?
- What triggers self‑deception?
A Different Perspective
Self‑deception can persist despite awareness.
![“It is always a poor way of reading the hearts of others to try to conceal our own. [Fr., C'est toujours un mauvais moyen de lire dans le coeur des autres que d'affecter de cacher le sien.]” quote by Jean-Jacques Rousseau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b20/jean-jacques-rousseau-418_conceal_it-is-always-a-poor-way-of-reading-the-h_175274.jpg)
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![“[On Jane Austen:] To believe her limited in range because she was harmonious in method is as sensible as to imagine that when the Atlantic Ocean is as smooth as a mill-pond it shrinks to the size of a mill-pond.” quote by Rebecca West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8d4/rebecca-west-1248_atlantic-ocean_on-jane-austen-to-believe-her-limited-in_215037.jpg)
