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When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty.
George Bernard Shaw
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that individuals often justify their shameful actions by claiming they are fulfilling a duty.

George Bernard Shaw highlights a common human behavior where individuals, particularly those who may lack insight or wisdom, rationalize their wrongful actions by framing them as responsibilities or obligations. This reflects a tendency to evade accountability by appealing to a sense of duty, often masking the true nature of their actions and the shame associated with them.

Themes

DutyShameJustificationBehaviorPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on morality, one might use this quote to illustrate how people often rationalize unethical decisions.

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