Accurate Quote by Robert Trivers
“If... deceit is fundamental to animal communication, then there must be strong selection to spot deception and this ought, in turn, to select for a degree of self-deception, rendering some facts and motives unconscious so as not to betray - by the subtle signs of self-knowledge - the deception being practiced.' Thus, 'the conventional view that natural selection favors nervous systems which produce ever more accurate images of the world must be a very naive view of mental evolution.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Evolution of Social Behavior, Robert Trivers, 1971
Deception is a core part of animal communication, leading to selection for detecting lies and for self‑deception that hides motives from conscious awareness.
In simple terms: Deception drives both detecting lies and self‑deception.
Key Takeaway
Beware hidden motives and test information critically.
Themes
evolution
communication
psychology
self‑deception
selection
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- animal behavior research
- interpersonal negotiations
- political discourse
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Signal theory
cognitive bias
mindreading
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you detect when your own beliefs are self‑deceptive?
- What mechanisms can reduce self‑deception in groups?
A Different Perspective
Self‑deception can impair honest self‑assessment and lead to systemic blind spots.
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