QuoteProject
You can always lie to others and hide your actions from them... but you can not fool yourself
Abraham Lincoln
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Self-awareness is key; you can deceive others but not yourself.

This quote by Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the importance of honesty with oneself. While it may be possible to mislead others about our thoughts and actions, the truth resides within us, and self-deception leads to a lack of growth and understanding of our true nature. It serves as a reminder that self-reflection and honesty are crucial for personal integrity and development.

Themes

Self-AwarenessHonestyDeceptionTruthReflection

In practice

Example use cases

In a team meeting discussing transparency, one might say this quote to emphasize the need for integrity.

More from Abraham Lincoln

I am like a man so busy in letting rooms in one end of his house, that he can't stop to put out the fire that is burning the other.
Abraham LincolnRead
Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.
Abraham LincolnRead
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
Abraham LincolnRead
How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
Abraham LincolnRead
For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier.
Abraham LincolnRead
And having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.
Abraham LincolnRead

Similar quotes

The feeling of being valuable - 'I am a valuable person'- is essential to mental health and is a cornerstone of self-discipline.
M. Scott PeckRead
Self is not liberated. It was never bound. What gets liberated are the demons as well as gods of your mind. Set them free. You are sick of playing with the game. Be willing to not play the game. This takes huge resolve.
GangajiRead
When you accept what is, you are grateful for whatever situation arises.
Eckhart TolleRead
This world is run with far too tight a rein for luck to interfere. Fortune sells her wares; she never gives them. In some form or other, we pay for her favors; or we go empty away.
Amelia BarrRead
We can learn much from wise words, little from wisecracks, and less from wise guys.
William Arthur WardRead
The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously.
Hubert H. HumphreyRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.