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About this quote

What does it mean?
Actions often contradict stated beliefs, revealing internal conflicts. Experiences can expose discrepancies between ideology and behavior.
In plain terms
Our actions often show beliefs we didn't know we had.
What can you take from it?
Watch your actions to see your true beliefs.

Where it applies

  • self-reflection
  • moral inconsistency

Putting it to work

  • align actions with beliefs

Questions to consider

  • Do your actions match your beliefs?
  • What do your deeds say?

Another view

Sometimes actions are pragmatic responses rather than reflections of belief.

More from James Baldwin

  1. Rage cannot be hidden, it can only be dissembled. This dissembling deludes the thoughtless, and strengthens rage and adds, to rage, contempt.

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  2. When the book comes out it may hurt you -- but in order for me to do it, it had to hurt me first. I can only tell you about yourself as much as I can face abou…

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  3. People who treat other people as less than human must not be surprised when the bread they have cast on the waters comes floating back to them, poisoned.

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