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About this quote

What does it mean?
Presents a binary view of someone's behavior: either deeply intentional or completely unaware. It questions the subject's self-awareness.
In plain terms
She either knows exactly what she is doing or does not.
What can you take from it?
Judge behavior by intent or awareness.

Where it applies

  • social interaction
  • performance
  • trust assessment

Putting it to work

  • evaluating sincerity
  • reading intent
  • assessing awareness

Questions to consider

  • Is she faking or just naive?
  • How do you tell intent from accident?

Another view

People can act intentionally without full self-awareness.

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