In his book "Shame," Salman Rushdie explores the tendency of humans to deceive themselves about their own character traits. He argues that people often convince themselves that their motivations are noble and genuine, even when those motivations are rooted in self-interest or dishonesty. This self-deception allows individuals to feel justified in their actions, regardless of their true nature.

Rushdie highlights a paradoxical aspect of human nature: the ability to rationalize behavior that may be morally questionable. This inclination can lead to a distortion of one’s self-perception, fostering a false sense of integrity while enabling base actions. Ultimately, the quote illustrates the complex relationship between self-perception and morality in the human experience.