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Credit card Quote by Robert Rowland Smith

“The psyche will do anything to avoid pain, and when faced with something traumatic, like having to pay, its instinct is to put it off - what Freud called 'Nachträglichkeit' or delayed effect. Credit card and psyche conspire to soften the blow of paying by staggering it over time.” quote by Robert Rowland Smith
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““The psyche will do anything to avoid pain, and when faced with something traumatic, like having to pay, its instinct is to put it off - what Freud called 'Nachträglichkeit' or delayed effect. Credit card and psyche conspire to soften the blow of paying by staggering it over time.””

Robert Rowland Smith

About This Quote

Source Article: Psychology Today, 2018

People avoid pain by delaying payments; credit cards spread cost, easing immediate discomfort.

In simple terms: We postpone pain, credit eases it.

Key Takeaway

Be aware of financial coping mechanisms.

Themes

psychology finance pain avoidance

Mood

cautious inquisitive

Type

analytical advisory

When to use this quote

  • personal finance
  • therapy
  • credit management

Key Concepts

delayed gratification consumer behavior budgeting

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does delayed payment affect mental health?
  • What alternatives reduce financial stress?
A Different Perspective

Delaying pain can increase long‑term debt.

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