“A man always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason”

Simplified Meaning:

When people do something, they often have two explanations for why they did it. The first explanation is usually a positive or acceptable one that sounds good to others, like wanting to help someone or doing the right thing. But there’s often a deeper, hidden reason that’s more personal or selfish. For example, a person might say they donated to charity because they care about helping others, but the real reason might be to gain praise or feel good about themselves. Imagine a kid doing chores at home. They might tell their parents they are doing it because it’s their responsibility, but the real reason could be that they want to earn some pocket money or go out with their friends. This quote suggests that people’s actions are often driven by personal motives, even if they present them in a nicer light. Understanding this can help us be more honest about our own motivations and see the true reasons behind other people’s actions. So, next time you or someone else does something, try to think about what the deeper, personal reason might be.