Self Deceit Quotes

But the gradual growth of our own wickedness, endeared by interest, and palliated by all the artifices of self-deceit, gives us time to form distinctions in our own favour, and reason by degrees submits to absurdity, as the eye is in time accommodated to darkness. ~ Samuel Johnson

Long had he believed that a gentleman should turn to a mirror with a sense of distrust. For rather than being tools of self-discovery, mirrors tended to be tools of self-deceit. ~ Amor Towles

Aikido versus Aikido breeds weakness and self-deceit. ~ Toshishiro Obata

Here's to love at first sight, and here's to getting over it the moment you blink. ~ Ahmed Mostafa

The perfect life, the perfect lie … is one which prevents you from doing that which you would ideally have done (painted, say, or written unpublishable poetry) but which, in fact, you have no wish to do. People need to feel that they have been thwarted by circumstances from pursuing the life which, had they led it, they would not have wanted; whereas the life they really want is precisely a compound of all those thwarting circumstances. It is a very elaborate, extremely simple procedure, arranging this web of self-deceit: contriving to convince yourself that you were prevented from doing what you wanted. Most people don't want what they want: people want to be prevented, restricted. The hamster not only loves his cage, he'd be lost without it. That's why children are so convenient: you have children because you're struggling to get by as an artist - which is actually what being an artist means - or failing to get on with your career. Then you can persuade yourself that your children prevented you from having this career that had never looked like working out. So it goes on: things are always forsaken in the name of an obligation to someone else, never as a failing, a falling short of yourself. ~ Geoff Dyer

Science, which is only another name for truth, now holds religious charlatans, self-deceivers and God agents in a certain degree of check
agents and employees, I mean, of a mythical, medieval, man-made God, anthropomorphic in constitution. ~ Luther Burbank

Deceiving yourself is a gateway to harming your future self. ~ Angel Moreira

Perhaps the greatest self-deceit is to tell ourselves that we can be self-sufficient. ~ Joseph Stowell

Authenticity is fundamental, more fundamental than spiritual enlightenment. Without authenticity, no genuine spiritual enlightenment is possible. Authenticity is the state of being committed to truth. Truth is simple. And no matter how simply a truth is stated, only those who have walked the path of understanding and evolution on their own can know and understand it authentically. The path of truth is the path least traveled. Authenticity is the clarity of being in which there is no self-deceit. ~ Yasuhiko Kimura

Maya (deceit) means ignorance of one's own Self! ~ Dada Bhagwan

Nothing is easier than self-deceit.
For what every man wishes,
that he also believes to be true. ~ Demosthenes

It's the truth I'm after, and the truth never harmed anyone. What harms us is to persist in self-deceit and ignorance. ~ Marcus Aurelius

He can even give his body over to the tribe, the state, the embracing magical umbrella of the elders and their symbols; that way it will no longer be a dangerous negation for him. But there is no real difference between a childish impossibility and an adult one; the only thing that the person achieves is a practiced self-deceit - what we call the "mature" character. ~ Ernest Becker

We live with the key purpose of receiving the approval of those around us because we don't know who we are in reality ~ Sunday Adelaja

Self-deceit is a most damaging trait. The remedy, for an artist, is to paint a self-portrait! ~ Scott Kahn

And I know what it is that's going to destroy the world. Lack of communication - reciprocal communication: cultural, political, intellectual - whatever you like. But more, it's snobbery and self-deceit, which are artificial, protective barriers that prevent communication. ~ Angus Stewart

If you don't want to live in self-deceit in a new year, miracle must not be your focus ~ Sunday Adelaja

We are easily shocked by crimes which appear at once in their full magnitude, but the gradual growth of our own wickedness, endeared by interest, and palliated by all the artifices of self-deceit, gives us time to form distinctions in our own favor ~ Samuel Johnson

Nothing is easier than self-deceit. ~ Demosthenes

Making another effort to be paradoxical, Williams decides to identify Orwell as an instance of 'the paradox of the exile'. This, which he also identified with D. H. Lawrence, constituted an actual 'tradition', which, in England:

attracts to itself many of the liberal virtues: empiricism, a certain integrity, frankness. It has also, as the normally contingent virtue of exile, certain qualities of perception: in particular, the ability to distinguish inadequacies in the groups which have been rejected. It gives, also, an appearance of strength, although this is largely illusory. The qualities, though salutary, are largely negative; there is an appearance of hardness (the austere criticism of hypocrisy, complacency, self-deceit), but this is usually brittle, and at times hysterical: the substance of community is lacking, and the tension, in men of high quality, is very great.

This is quite a fine passage, even when Williams is engaged in giving with one hand and taking away with the other. Orwell's working title for Nineteen Eighty-Four was 'The Last Man in Europe,' and there are traces of a kind of solipsistic nobility elsewhere in his work, the attitude of the flinty and solitary loner. May he not be valued, however, as the outstanding English example of the dissident intellectual who preferred above all other allegiances the loyalty to truth? Self-evidently, Williams does not believe this and the clue is in the one word, so seemingly innocuous in itself, ~ Christopher Hitchens

We foolishly assume that our real struggles with sin are in the areas where we are "weak." We do not well understand the depth of sin until we realize that it has made its home far more subtly where we are "strong," and in our gifts rather than in our weaknesses and inadequacies. It is in the very giftedness God has given that sin has been at its most perverse and subtle! But when we are brought to see this, stripped bare of our layers of self-deceit, and led to repentance, then God may make something of us. ~ John Piper

Allow me now to return to the cottagers, whose story excited in me such various feelings of indignation, delight, and wonder, but which all terminated in additional love and reverence for my protectors (for so I loved, in an innocent, half painful self-deceit, to call them). ~ Mary Shelley

Self-deceit - It's in the "Nine Satanic Statements" but deserves to be repeated here. Another cardinal sin. We must not pay homage to any of the sacred cows presented to us, including the roles we are expected to play ourselves. The only time self-deceit should be entered into is when it's fun, and with awareness. But then, it's not self-deceit! ~ Anton Szandor LaVey

Moreover, the very belief that Americans had somehow discovered the ultimate answer to mankind's eternal quandaries and were now poised to establish heaven on earth was a delusion that deserved to be ranked alongside the fables about the Holy Grail and the fountain of youth. "We may boast that we are one, the chosen people,: he (Adams) warned, " and we may even thank God that we are not like other men, but, after all, it would be but flattery, delusion, the self-deceit of the Pharisee. ~ Joseph J. Ellis

Satan represents indulgence, instead of abstinence! Satan represents vital existence, instead of spiritual pipe dreams! Satan represents undefiled wisdom, instead of hypocritical self-deceit! Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification! ~ Anton Szandor LaVey

Just as surely as distress must follow self-deceit, healing must follow self-honesty. ~ Vernon Howard

Sometimes more is hidden behind a truth than a pack of lies. ~ Khang Kijarro Nguyen

The trickster is an important archetype, a mischievous, sometimes malicious creature who survives the challenges of the world through deceit. Despite the damage he causes, he leads those who encounter him to confront their own deficiencies and the deficiencies of the society in which they exist. In other words, even as he tears things down, he leads to the creation of other, better structures in their place. In a sense, he represents the part of the human psyche that is unrestricted by convention, the imaginative capability that enables us to confront, and overcome, our problems. ~ John Connolly

It makes more sense to find out where the middle- and long-term common ground lies. ~ Gerhard Schroder

The look of love alarms Because 'tis filled with fire; But the look of soft deceit Shall sin the lover's hire. ~ William Blake

That this silo operated by the same deceit should not be surprising; it was the only way such men knew how to run anything. ~ Hugh Howey

It is the dirt within men's hearts that is most offensive; the filth you cannot see. ~ Jocelyn Murray

A man cannot conceal joy," I said, though I wasn't sure where it was coming from, "because joy undoes deceit. What I have, I will share, because I must. There is no other choice. ~ Kristina Meister

We are oft to blame in this, -
'tis too much proved, - that with devotion's visage,
and pios action we do sugar o'er
the devil himself. ~ William Shakespeare

Integrity is the lifeblood of democracy.
Deceit is a poison in its veins. ~ Edward M. Kennedy

The notion of freedom could make even peace and order seem oppressive, generate the suspicion of some hidden purpose, some vast deceit, some unspecified crime being perpetrated beyond human ken. That was a generous way of looking at it; the alternative was to acknowledge that humans were intrinsically conflicted, cursed with acquisitive addictions of the spirit. ~ Steven Erikson

Think of this: If it weren't for greed, intolerance, hate, passion and murder, you would have no works of art, no great buildings, no medical science, no Mozart, no van Gogh, no Muppets and no Louis Armstrong. The civilization that devises the infrastructure to allow these wonderful things to be created is essentially a product of war - death and suffering - and commerce - deceit and inequality. Even your liberty to discuss the shortcomings of your own species has its foundations in blood and hardship." "That's a depressing thought, ~ Jasper Fforde

What do you do for Nigel Jennings?"
There was no pause at all. "I'm his tailer," he answered immediately.
"You're nothing of the sort."
Rupert gave her a cheeky grin. "Meant to say, he's my tailor."
She cast him a thoughtful look. "Interesting that you would lie about it."
"You call joking lying?"
"Evasion is a form of deceit."
"Interesting that you would see it that way." He gave her back her own words. She almost laughed.
While he hadn't answered her question any more truthfully than she had answered his, he surprised her by not pursuing his inquiry about why she had been on Wigmore Street. Fingering a white silk yarn within his reach, he said, "I'll take a vest in this if you run out of ideas to ply your needle toward."
She couldn't help but grin. "Will you indeed? But that implies a gift-"
He cut in, "Consider it an early Christmas present," and actually sounded serious.
"I don't make presents for mere aquaintances."
"We're more'n that."
"We aren't."
"Of course we are,or do you make a habit of kissing mere aquaintances?"
She huffed. "You did the kissing, not I."
He was grinning again. "You fully participated,Becca. Don't even try to deny it. ~ Johanna Lindsey

I learned that if we set our mind to things, we can accomplish almost anything no matter what the circumstances are. ~ Scott Haze

True evil is unlikely to receive an invitation from us, so it clothes itself in just enough truth to make itself look appealing and then it looks to unpeel us. ~ Craig D. Lounsbrough

Utopianism's equality is intolerant of diversity, uniqueness, debate, etc., for utopianism's purpose requires a singular focus. There can be no competing voices or causes slowing or obstructing society's long and righteous march. Utopianism relies on deceit, propaganda, dependence, intimidation, and force. In its more aggressive state, as the malignancy of the enterprise becomes more painful and its impossibility more obvious, it incites violence inasmuch as avenues for free expression and civil dissent are cut off. Violence becomes the individual's primary recourse and the state's primary response. Ultimately, the only way out is the state's termination. ~ Mark R. Levin

Fear is what keeps a man alive in this world if treachery and deceit. ~ George R R Martin

Keep the enemy in the dark about where and when our forces will attack. ~ Mao Zedong

T often falls out that somewhat is produced of nothing; for lies are sufficient to breed opinion, and opinion brings on substance. ~ Francis Bacon

Deceit comes in through the ears, but usually leaves through the eyes. ~ Baltasar Gracian

These ministries have merged pseudo-science with religious beliefs to create, in effect, a new religion, ... Eventually they will collapse under the weight of their deceit. But as long as they survive we will have trouble winning any political battles. ~ Wayne Besen

All imposture weakens confidence and chills benevolence. ~ Samuel Johnson

I'm not sure I know what 'simple-hearted' means," I said haughtily. "When there's no deceit or malice in your heart. Most of us have some; it protects us. People without it are rare. ~ Gail Godwin

It is not uncommon to charge the difference between promise and performance, between profession and reality, upon deep design and studied deceit; but the truth is, that there is very little hypocrisy in the world. ~ Samuel Johnson

He looked at her, stripped naked for the instant of verbiage and deceit. ~ William Faulkner

Understanding spirituality means that every day anger, pride, deceit and greed continue to decrease, will not increase. ~ Dada Bhagwan

Ashamed to avow my sins,
A burden mine alone to bear,
Broken beyond repair,
Baptized in gold to fill the cracks,
Restless nights, Velour gowns turning to sacks
No amount of gold brings relief,
Debased by lies and deceit,
Beg for forgiveness,
And you shall be forgiven,
He, who knows all, saw underneath my veneer,
A pain, a woe played for deaf ears,
I beseech my lord to forgive my misdeeds abhorred,
Let my midnight scribble turn into beautiful word. ~ Khadidja Megaache

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct. 29They were filled with all manner of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity, they are gossips, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. ~ Scott Hahn

Your heart new to the world, and full of warmth and sensibility, receives its first impressions with eagerness. Artless yourself, you suspect not others of deceit; and viewing the world through the medium of your own truth and innocence, you fancy all who surround you to deserve your confidence and esteem. What pity, that these gay visions must soon be dissipated! What pity, that you must soon discover the baseness of mankind, and guard against your fellow-creatures, as against your foes! ~ Matthew Gregory Lewis

Of darkness visible so much be lent, as half to show, half veil, the deep intent. ~ Alexander Pope

It is perhaps accurate ... to describe the Daschle proposals as being 'Sex, Lies and No Videotape,' ... We insisted on a complete search for the truth, on the ability for the Senate to decide whether or not video presentations of these witnesses will be permitted on the floor of the Senate. ~ Slade Gorton

All the lies and evasions by which man has nourished himself civilization, in a word is the fruits of the creative artist. It is the creative nature of man which has refused to let him lapse back into that unconscious unity with life which characterizes the animal world from which he made his escape. ~ Henry Miller

To find out if she really loved me, I hooked her up to a lie detector. And just as I suspected, my machine was broken. ~ Dark Jar Tin Zoo

If you corner him there will be bloodshed. And I do not like bloodshed.'
Dorin arched a brow. 'Really. You don't like bloodshed.'
'No. It's messy and unsophisticated. There are better ways of doing things.'
'Such as?'
Wu brightened, flashed his yellowed crooked teeth. 'My ways. Lying, trickery, deceit, cheating, or just plain patience. He will come to us. ~ Ian C. Esslemont

The surest way of making a dupe is to let your victim suppose you are his. ~ Bill Vaughan

The good psychologist is ambivalent about people, because he knows well their treacherous nature, their potential for destruction, delusion and deceit. ~ Noam Shpancer

I follow a more easy, and, in my opinion, a wiser course, namely
to inveigh against the levity of the female sex, their fickleness, their double-dealing, their rotten promises, their broken faith, and, finally, their want of judgment in bestowing their affections. ~ Miguel De Cervantes

The names of virtues, with their precepts, were:
1.Temperance. Eat not do dullness; drink not to elevation.
2.Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
3.Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
4.Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
5.Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6.Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
7.Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8.Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9.Moderation. Avoid extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10.Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloths, or habitation.
11.Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12.Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13.Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates. ~ Benjamin Franklin

The prophet knew that religion could distort what the Lord demanded of man, that priests themselves had committed perjury by bearing false witness, condoning violence, tolerating hatred, calling for ceremonies instead of bursting forth with wrath and indignation at cruelty, deceit, idolatry, and violence.

To the people, religion was Temple, priesthood, incense: "This is the Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord" (Jer. 7:4). Such piety Jeremiah brands as fraud and illusion. "Behold you trust in deceptive words to no avail," he calls (Jer. 7 : 8 ). Worship preceded o r followed by evil acts becomes a n absurdity. The holy place is doomed when people indulge in unholy deeds. ~ Abraham Joshua Heschel

Once you know true love you will never again be deceived by its counterfeit. ~ Kate McGahan

Temperament lies behind mood; behind will, lies the fate of character. Then behind both, the influence of family the tyranny of culture; and finally the power of climate and environment; and we are free, only to the extent we rise above these. ~ John Burroughs

It is important to realize that a person with the gift of discernment can often tell the difference between what is of God and what is not. Such a person can often point out false teachings or false teachers - he has an almost uncanny ability to perceive
hypocrisy, shallowness, deceit, or phoniness. ~ Billy Graham

I bet you could catch bullets," she said, and threw the stick away. "How do you do that?"
"By not being human," he said. "That's why you could never trick a bear. We see tricks and deceit as plain as arms and legs. We can see in a way humans have forgotten. But you know about this; you can understand the symbol reader. ~ Philip Pullman

I wanted to scream. When I'm with you, I feel I can take what others call my life and turns its face away from the wall. My entire life faces the wall except when I'm with you. I stare at my life and want to undo every mistake, every deceit, turn a new leaf, turn the table, turn the clock. I want to put a real face on my life, not the drab front I've been wearing since forever. So why can't I speak to you now? ~ Andre Aciman

How often have I painted a splendid picture of a journey marked by courageous ascents and daring desert crossings when all along all I've really been doing is running? ~ Craig D. Lounsbrough

It many times falls out that we deem ourselves much deceived in others because we first deceived ourselves. ~ Philip Sidney

All around me is cowardice and deceit. ~ Nicholas II Of Russia