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About this quote

What does it mean?
Self-deception is the hardest task because we lack the external perspective needed to see our own biases.
In plain terms
It is harder to avoid lying to yourself than to lie to others.
What can you take from it?
Self-awareness requires overcoming innate biases.

Where it applies

  • personal growth
  • decision making
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • seek feedback
  • check assumptions

Questions to consider

  • How do you spot your own blind spots?
  • Is self-deception always harmful?

Another view

Sometimes admitting fault is easier than maintaining a false self-image.

More from Ludwig Wittgenstein

  1. Kierkegaard writes: If Christianity were so easy and cozy, why should God in his Scriptures have set Heaven and Earth in motion and threatened eternal punishme…

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  2. Resting on your laurels is as dangerous as resting when you are walking in the snow. You doze off and die in your sleep. (p. 35e)

    Permalink to quote #79
  3. If you use a trick in logic, whom can you be tricking other than yourself? (p. 24e)

    Permalink to quote #76

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