“We are never deceived; we deceive ourselves.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
quotes
  • August 28, 1749 – March 22, 1832
  • German
  • Poet, playwright, novelist, philosopher, politician
  • His literary works “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther” had a major impact on world literature.

Quote

“We are never deceived; we deceive ourselves.”

Explanation

Goethe suggests that self-deception is the root cause of much of the confusion and suffering we experience in life. While it may seem that we are being deceived by others or external circumstances, the truth is that we often choose to believe what is convenient or comforting, even when it is not true. Our biases, fears, or desires cloud our judgment, leading us to create false narratives or ignore uncomfortable truths. In essence, we deceive ourselves by denying reality or refusing to confront difficult facts.

Historically, this idea aligns with the philosophical traditions of self-awareness and introspection, which encouraged individuals to examine their own motivations and perceptions. Goethe was deeply interested in the nature of the self, and his works often reflect the tension between inner truth and the illusion we create to protect ourselves from uncomfortable realities.

In modern contexts, this idea is echoed in psychology and personal growth, where cognitive biases and defense mechanisms often lead us to distort the truth. For example, in relationships, we may choose to overlook red flags or make excuses for a partner’s behavior because we want to believe the best, even when the evidence suggests otherwise. Similarly, in professional or personal situations, people may ignore their own shortcomings or avoid facing uncomfortable truths about their capabilities.

Goethe’s words serve as a reminder that self-deception is often the biggest barrier to personal growth and clarity. By being honest with ourselves and confronting the truth, we can begin to see the world and ourselves more clearly, freeing us from the illusion of false beliefs and leading to more authentic living.


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