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My intellect tells me: 'Tell the truth at any cost.' The Little Man in me says: 'It is stupid to expose oneself to the little man, to put oneself at his mercy. The Little Man does not want to hear the truth about himself. He does not want the great responsibility which is his. He wants to remain a Little Man. He wants to remain a Little Man, or wants to become a little great man. He wants to become rich, or a party leader, or commander of a legion, or secretary of the society for the abolition of vice. But he does not want to assume responsibility for his work...'

Wilhelm Reich#49

PsychologyFearEthicsResponsibilitySelf awarenessTruthLeadership

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About this quote

What does it mean?
The intellect urges truth at any cost, but the inner self fears exposing itself and prefers comfort over responsibility.
In plain terms
Your mind wants honesty, but your inner self avoids the risk and responsibility that truth brings.
What can you take from it?
Balance truth‑telling with self‑care, recognizing that responsibility can be daunting.

Where it applies

  • making a difficult confession
  • taking leadership
  • facing personal criticism

Putting it to work

  • practice honest communication
  • prepare for backlash
  • build confidence in responsibility

Questions to consider

  • When does honesty become harmful?
  • How can you protect yourself while staying truthful?

Another view

Sometimes truth can cause unnecessary harm if shared without discretion.

More from Wilhelm Reich

  1. This sentence makes me hesitate. I contend to be a fighter for pureness and truth. I hesitate, because I am afraid of you and your attitude towards truth. To s…

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  2. You are afraid of life, Little Man, deadly afraid. You will murder it in the belief of doing it for the sake of 'socialism,' or 'the state,' or 'national honor…

    Permalink to quote #50

  3. Your liberators tell you that that your suppressors are Wilhelm, Nikolaus, Pope Gregory the Twenty Eighth, Morgan, Krupp or Ford. And your 'liberators' are cal…

    Permalink to quote #47

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