It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.
Meaning
People often resist truths that threaten their interests. Financial or personal incentives can block objective thinking.
Best Wisdom Quotes with Meaning
Share image
Preview of the image used when this quote is shared on social networks.
About the author
Why This Quote Matters
What Sinclair Lewis captures here is how Truths intersect with character and follow-through. What stays after reading is this: People often resist truths that threaten their interests.
Financial or personal incentives can block objective thinking. Let it temper urgency with intention so effort matches what matters.
How to Apply This Quote in Life
Pair the quote with reflection—five minutes with a notebook about Business. Build consistency before intensity—People often resist truths that threaten their interests.
Financial or personal incentives can block objective thinking. is easier to live when the pace is honest. Let the quote be a filter: say yes to what strengthens Truth, no to what erodes it.
Related quotes
-
“Our weapon is our truth.”
Meaning: Honesty and integrity are powerful tools in conflict and leadership. -
“Freedom of mind is the real freedom.”
Meaning: True freedom comes from independent thinking. -
“The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously.”
Meaning: While everyone has the right to express opinions, credibility depends on the value and substance of what is said. This quote highlights the importance of thoughtful and informed communication. -
“Men are moved by two levers only: fear and self-interest.”
Meaning: Human behavior is often driven by basic motivations. -
“Men are driven by two principal impulses, either by love or by fear.”
Meaning: Human behavior is largely influenced by emotional motivations. -
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
Meaning: Inaction of allies hurts more than opposition. -
“Freedom is not just a word, it is a responsibility.”
Meaning: Freedom requires accountability. -
“The truth always ends by revealing itself.”
Meaning: Truth cannot remain hidden forever. -
“Life is a difficult game. You can win it only by retaining your birthright to be a person.”
Meaning: Stay true to yourself to succeed in life. -
“We like lists because we don't want to die.”
Meaning: Lists represent a desire to organize and preserve knowledge, reflecting humanity’s resistance to impermanence.