We do not see things as they are Meaning Factcheck Usage

Verified Quote

We do not see things as they are, but as we need them to be - Daniel Goleman
Our perception isn't a perfect recording of reality. It's a construction, heavily edited by our personal needs, fears, and past experiences.
To face reality requires more courage than to Meaning Factcheck Usage

Wise advice on Verified

To face reality requires more courage than to escape it - Daniel Goleman
At its core, this quote means that it's actually easier, in the short term, to lie to yourself or run from your problems than it is to stand firm and deal with what's really happening.

Wise advice on Verified

Self-deception is adaptive; it lets us function. But when it becomes chronic, it distorts reality beyond repair - Daniel Goleman
This quote argues that lying to ourselves isn't always a bad thing, it's a psychological coping mechanism. But when we rely on it too heavily, it stops protecting us and starts preventing us from seeing the world as it truly is.