Art Quote by William Landay
““But then, we all tell ourselves stories about ourselves. The money man tells himself that by getting rich he is actually enriching others, the artist tells himself that his creations are things of deathless beauty, the soldier tells himself he is on the side of the angels.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Last Child, 2019
People justify their roles by telling self-serving stories that align with their identity.
In simple terms: Self‑justification through personal narratives.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question your internal stories.
Themes
identity
justification
self‑perception
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- artistic creation
- military service
Key Concepts
narrative psychology
role theory
moral rationalization
Questions to Reflect On
- What story do you tell about your work?
- When have you challenged your own narrative?
A Different Perspective
Stories may blind us to alternative perspectives.
