The quote “In the conduct of life we make use of deliberation to justify ourselves in doing what we want to do” suggests that when we make decisions or take actions, we often engage in a process of reasoning or justification—what we call deliberation. However, this reasoning may not be as objective as it seems. Instead, it often serves to validate choices that align with our personal desires and preferences.
At its core, the quote highlights a common psychological phenomenon: people tend to rationalize their actions after they’ve made decisions based on their feelings or desires. This means that rather than approaching choices with pure objectivity or moral clarity, individuals can be influenced by their own wants and biases. Deliberation becomes a tool for self-justification rather than an unbiased evaluation of options.
In today’s world, this idea has significant implications across various aspects of life—from personal relationships to business ethics and even political decision-making. For instance:
1. **Personal Development**: In self-improvement practices, individuals may set goals based on what they believe is desirable (e.g., losing weight, pursuing a new career) but might struggle with commitment because deeper motivations could be at odds with those goals (e.g., wanting comfort over discipline). Understanding how one’s desires influence decision-making can help in creating more genuine commitments aligned with true values.
2. **Professional Settings**: In workplaces, employees may justify taking shortcuts or pursuing projects that benefit them personally under the guise of “efficiency” or “innovative thinking.” Recognizing this tendency encourages leaders to foster environments where ethical considerations are paramount and collective good is prioritized over individual advantage.
3. **Social Dynamics**: People often navigate social situations by justifying their affiliations and opinions through deliberation—sometimes ignoring facts if they conflict with desired narratives or group norms. Cultivating awareness about these biases can lead to healthier discussions and more inclusive environments since people become more conscious about their motivations.
4. **Consumer Behavior**: Advertisers leverage this concept by appealing directly to emotions; they create narratives around products that resonate deeply with consumer desires for status, happiness, or belonging—which further complicates our ability to make purely rational purchasing decisions.
Embracing the insight from the quote allows for greater self-awareness regarding our motives and decisions in everyday life. By recognizing when we’re using deliberation primarily as a means of justification rather than genuine exploration of options—the first step toward growth—individuals can work towards making choices that reflect deeper values rather than surface-level wants. Ultimately, fostering an honest dialogue within oneself about motivation can lead not only to better personal outcomes but also contribute positively to interactions within broader societal contexts.
