"The economist (and philosopher) [[Adam Smith]] had a theory for how wise and good people evaluate their actions: **There are two different occasions upon which we examine our own conduct, and endeavour to view it in the light in which the impartial spectator would view it: first, when we are about to act; and secondly, after we have acted**. "Our views are apt to be very partial in both cases; but they are apt to be most partial when it is of most importance that they should be otherwise. **When we are about to act, the eagerness of passion will seldom allow us to consider what we are doing, with the candour of an indifferent person**.…  When the action is over, indeed, and the passions which prompted it have subsided, we can enter more coolly into the sentiments of the indifferent spectator." ([Location 2271](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01AWUTMB0&location=2271)) --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[hindsight-bias]], [[self-reflection]], [[discipline]], [[personal-values]], [[bias-to-action]], [[ego]], [[humility]], [[confidence]], [[arrogance]], [[making-decisions]] **Source** -- [[202409161103 - B - Ego is the Enemy]]