--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We delude ourselves if we think that…" description: "\"“We delude ourselves if we think that decency is not rewarded in other people simply because we refuse to practice it ourselves.”\" — Sarah Scheele" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83b/sarah-scheele-59801_bellevere-house_we-delude-ourselves-if-we-think-that-dec_486425.jpg" --- # We delude ourselves if we think that decency is not… ![“We delude ourselves if we think that decency is not rewarded in other people simply because we refuse to practice it ourselves.” quote by Sarah Scheele](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83b/sarah-scheele-59801_bellevere-house_we-delude-ourselves-if-we-think-that-dec_486425.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83b/sarah-scheele-59801_bellevere-house_we-delude-ourselves-if-we-think-that-dec_486425.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83b/sarah-scheele-59801_bellevere-house_we-delude-ourselves-if-we-think-that-dec_486425.jpg) > ““We delude ourselves if we think that decency is not rewarded in other people simply because we refuse to practice it ourselves.”” [Sarah Scheele](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-scheele/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote warns that assuming others lack decency because we don’t model it ourselves is self‑deception. **In simple terms:** Thinking others aren’t decent because we don’t act decent is a lie. Key Takeaway Model decency to see it in others. Themes ethics self‑awareness social perception Mood reflective thoughtful Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - teamwork - leadership - personal development - community building Key Concepts cognitive bias virtue ethics Questions to Reflect On - How does your behavior influence your view of others? - Can you notice decency in others without projecting your own shortcomings? A Different Perspective If you practice decency, others may still act immorally; personal change isn’t guaranteed. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Decency](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decency/) [Delude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/delude/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Vintage-jane-austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vintage-jane-austen/) ## Related quotes > [“And I’d have you know, through all of it, I still had perfect nails! Because I am completely swell.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-scheele/and-i-d-have-you-know-through-all-of-it-i-still-had-perfect-nails/) [Sarah Scheele](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-scheele/) > [“Ed frowned. “Well, it’s a terrible picture of me! Here, give me that. I’m going to tear it up. 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There is always great opportunity for research and to delude yourself into feeling like you are in a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-dano/i-m-a-sucker-for-period-pieces-there-is-always-great-opportunity-for/) [Paul Dano](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-dano/) > [As an actor, I always feel you basically have to be able to delude yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-dano/as-an-actor-i-always-feel-you-basically-have-to-be-able-to-delude/) [Paul Dano](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-dano/) > [Mistakes live in the neighbourhood of truth and therefore delude us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rabindranath-tagore/mistakes-live-in-the-neighbourhood-of-truth-and-therefore-delude-us/) [Rabindranath Tagore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rabindranath-tagore/) > [But no one is easier to delude than a parent; they see only what they wish to see.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-joy-fowler/but-no-one-is-easier-to-delude-than-a-parent-they-see-only-what-they/) [Karen Joy Fowler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-joy-fowler/) > [“We are solitary. 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