“It is always easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them.”
- February 7, 1870 – May 28, 1937
- Austrian
- Psychotherapist, Medical Doctor, Founder of Individual Psychology
table of contents
Quote
“It is always easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them.”
Explanation
This quote highlights the disparity between advocating for ideals and actually embodying them, a tension deeply understood by Alfred Adler. Fighting for one’s principles—whether through debate, protest, or criticism—can provide a sense of righteousness and control, often without requiring deep personal transformation. In contrast, living up to one’s principles demands consistent action, humility, and self-discipline, which are far more difficult and expose one’s vulnerabilities and contradictions.
Adler’s psychological framework emphasized the importance of congruence between belief and behavior, particularly in the context of striving toward social usefulness and moral development. He observed that many individuals prefer to adopt a posture of moral superiority as a safeguard, rather than face the daily challenges of applying their values in real situations—especially when doing so involves sacrifice, discomfort, or uncertainty. This avoidance can reflect a deeper feeling of inferiority or fear of failure.
In today’s world, this dynamic is evident in both public discourse and private life. It is often easier to criticize injustice or promote ethical ideals than to practice fairness, kindness, or integrity in one’s own interactions. Adler’s quote invites reflection on the difference between appearance and action, and encourages a shift from performative morality to authentic personal effort, where values are not merely declared but lived, quietly and persistently.
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