169 Quotes About Self-deception

Any casual observer can tell at a glance I'm not the person I think I am.

The fine thing about pacts with the devil is that when you sign them you are well aware of their conditions. Otherwise, why would you be recompensed with hell?

If you say it very softly, with a smile, you can get away with saying almost anything, even the truth.

Self-deception is a defining part of our human nature. By recognizing its various forms in ourselves and reflecting upon them, we may be able to disarm them and even, in some cases, to employ and enjoy them. This self-knowledge opens up a whole new world before us, rich in beauty and subtlety, and frees us not only to take the best out of it, but also to give it back the best of ourselves, and, in so doing, to fulfil our potential as human beings. I don't really think it's a choice.

For some, life may be a playground to undermine the brainwaves of others or simply a vainglorious game with an armory of theatrics, illustrating only bleak self-deception, haughty narcissism and dim deficiency in empathy. ("Another empty room")

A genius is no more—and no less—than someone who insists on the truth, while others face the other way.

I was now somewhat reformed in my outward conduct, but the 'renewing in the spirit of my mind', if begun, was scarcely discernible. As my life was externally less wicked and ungodly, my heart grew most proud; the idol self was the object of my adoration and obeisance; my worldly advancement was more eagerly sought than ever; some flattering prospects seemed to open, and I resolved to improve my advantages to the uttermost.

We do not have to do with others as "they really are" but with our idea of them.This means that the experience of loss occurs both when we really lose someone and when this someone, for whatever reason, no longer corresponds to the idea we had of him.It is an inner grief just as strong and from which we often defend ourselves, as long as we can, through denial.Denial ends when the energy needed to deny becomes superior to what it takes to process the loss and move on.

Avoidance of self deception is a matter of integrity not comfort.