Acceptance Quote by Sydney J. Harris
“If you cannot endure to be thought in the wrong, you will begin to do terrible things to make the wrong appear right.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Moral Cost of Wrongful Perception", 1975
When people fear being judged incorrectly, they may resort to unethical actions to reshape perception.
In simple terms: Fear of misjudgment can drive harmful behavior.
Key Takeaway
Guard against fear‑driven manipulation.
Themes
ethics
perception
power
integrity
Mood
anxious
defensive
Type
cautionary
political
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- corporate PR
- personal relationships
- online reputation management
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
social influence
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you do if you felt misrepresented?
- How can societies protect truth without stifling dissent?
A Different Perspective
Such actions can backfire, eroding trust further.
