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Corrupt Quote by William Godwin

“Self-deception is so far from impossible that it is one of the most ordinary phenomena with which we are acquainted. Nothing is more usual than for a man to impute his actions to honorable motives when it is nearly demonstrable that they flowed from some corrupt and contemptible force.” quote by William Godwin
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“Self-deception is so far from impossible that it is one of the most ordinary phenomena with which we are acquainted. Nothing is more usual than for a man to impute his actions to honorable motives when it is nearly demonstrable that they flowed from some corrupt and contemptible force.”

William Godwin

About This Quote

Source Book: An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice, 1793

Self‑deception is common; people often rationalize wrongful actions as noble, masking corrupt motives behind respectable explanations.

In simple terms: People lie to themselves about why they act badly.

Key Takeaway

Question motives behind your actions.

Themes

morality self‑deception human nature

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • business decisions
  • political rhetoric
  • personal conflicts
  • legal defenses

Key Concepts

cognitive bias ethical introspection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motives do you hide from yourself?
  • How can you uncover true intentions?
A Different Perspective

It may understate the role of unconscious impulses.

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