Decision Quote by William O. Douglas
“At the constitutional level where we work, 90 percent of any decision is emotional. The rational part of us supplies the reasons for supporting our predilections.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Judicial Philosophy, William O. Douglas, 1960
Most decisions are driven by emotion, with rationales merely justifying pre‑existing preferences.
In simple terms: Emotions dominate decisions, reason follows.
Key Takeaway
Recognize emotional bias before deciding.
Themes
decision making
psychology
bias
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
insightful
When to use this quote
- political negotiations
- personal relationships
- business strategy
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you separate feeling from reasoning?
- What safeguards reduce emotional bias?
A Different Perspective
Emotions can be manipulated, leading to irrational outcomes.
