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About this quote

What does it mean?
When the person who did something explains it afterwards, their praise for the act seems excessive or suspicious.
In plain terms
It is strange when someone praises their own good deed.
What can you take from it?
Self-commentary often cheapens the original action.

Where it applies

  • debate
  • performance review
  • public relations

Putting it to work

  • evaluating self-praise
  • analyzing motives

Questions to consider

  • Why do people feel the need to explain their own good acts?

Another view

The phrasing is abstract and might be misinterpreted without context.

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