I have never worked on interrogation; I have never seen an interrogation, and I have only a passing knowledge of the literature on interrogation. With that qualification, my opinion is that the point of interrogation is to get at the truth, not to get at what the interrogator wants to hear.

The quote by Martin Seligman, “I have never worked on interrogation; I have never seen an interrogation, and I have only a passing knowledge of the literature on interrogation. With that qualification, my opinion is that the point of interrogation is to get at the truth, not to get at what the interrogator wants to hear,” emphasizes a fundamental ethical principle in questioning or investigative contexts. Seligman, a renowned psychologist, clarifies that although he is not an expert in interrogation practices, he stresses that the ultimate goal should be the pursuit of truth, rather than manipulating or coercing someone to produce a desired response.

The meaning of the quote is that effective and ethical interrogation must prioritize accuracy and integrity over coercion or bias. Seligman underscores that the role of an interrogator is not to confirm preconceived notions or extract specific answers but to uncover factual information. This perspective reflects broader principles in psychology and ethics, emphasizing that truth should guide investigative methods rather than the personal interests or expectations of the questioner.

The origin of this statement comes from Seligman’s commentary on interrogation practices, particularly in the context of controversies surrounding the use of coercive techniques in law enforcement or intelligence. As an expert in psychology, especially in areas like learned helplessness and human behavior, Seligman brings a scientific and ethical lens to the discussion, highlighting the importance of truth-seeking rather than the application of undue pressure or manipulation.

Ultimately, the quote stresses the ethical and practical imperative in interrogation: uncovering truth is the primary goal, not confirming what the interrogator wishes to hear. Seligman’s words encourage a disciplined, evidence-based approach, reminding us that even in high-stakes or complex situations, integrity and adherence to facts must guide human inquiry.