“The "passion for incredulity" can produce as much self-deception as the uncritical will to believe.”
Source: After Life (1999), p. 209
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Colin Wilson192
author 1931–2013Related quotes
“Precognition or self-deception?”
Tanith Lee book Vazkor, Son of Vazkor
Book Two, Part III “The Island”, Chapter 3 (p. 219)
Vazkor, Son of Vazkor (1978)
Carl Sagan (1934–1996) American astrophysicist, cosmologist, author and science educator
The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God (2006)
“Rationalization may be defined as self-deception by reasoning.”
Karen Horney book Our Inner Conflicts
Our Inner Conflicts (1945) http://encarta.msn.com/quote_561555562/Reason_Rationalization_may_be_defined_as.html
“Nationalism is power-hunger tempered by self-deception.”
George Orwell (1903–1950) English author and journalist
Notes on Nationalism (1945)
Lancelot Law Whyte (1896–1972) Scottish industrial engineer
The Universe of Experience: A Worldview Beyond Science and Religion (1974)
Eric Hoffer book The True Believer
Section 7
The True Believer (1951), Part One: The Appeal of Mass Movements
Context: There is a fundamental difference between the appeal of a mass movement and the appeal of a practical organization. The practical organization offers opportunities for self-advancement, and its appeal is mainly to self-interest. On the other hand, a mass movement, particularly in its active, revivalist phase, appeals not to those intent on bolstering and advancing a cherished self, but to those who crave to be rid of an unwanted self. A mass movement attracts and holds a following not because it can satisfy the desire for self-advancement, but because it can satisfy the passion for self-renunciation.