Quotessence
Home / Authors / David Smail

David Smail Quotes

Author

Filter quotes by topic

AllAnxietyActivismExperiencePsychotherapyRealitySelf DeceptionTraumaConfusionDepressionObjectivityResearchScienceSociologyUncertaintyAcademiaActionAdversityApathyAuthenticityCapitalism

Famous David Smail Quotes

“On the whole, people deceive themselves through lack of courage rather than lack of clarity about the predicament in which they find themselves-- one may deceive oneself because one lacks the courage to face the implications of one's experience, or simply because that experience is so confused and puzzling that one opts for a relatively non-threatening interpretation of it.”

AnxietyExperienceConfusionUncertaintySelf Deception
Book:Illusion and Reality: The Meaning of Anxiety
Create image

“If, on the other hand, you insist on your knowledge of the emperor's nakedness, you may not find the ready assent from others which could confidently be expected only if you assume their good faith toward their own experience; In fact, their strenuous denial that they share your experience may leave you in such isolation that ultimately not only they but you yourself begin to question your sanity.”

RealityAnxietyIllusionExperienceConfusionUncertaintyPersonal Experience
Book:Illusion and Reality: The Meaning of Anxiety
Create image