Skip to content

There were people whom you positively ached to please. If…

“There were people whom you positively ached to please. If you failed with such people they would put you into a category in their minds where they could kee you and have contempt for you forever.” quote by Alice Munro
Download Open image
“There were people whom you positively ached to please. If you failed with such people they would put you into a category in their minds where they could kee you and have contempt for you forever.”

Alice Munro

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People seek approval from those they admire; failure can lead to lasting contempt and social exclusion.

In simple terms: Trying to please admired people can backfire and cause lasting disdain.

Key Takeaway

Avoid basing self‑worth on others' approval.

Themes

approval esteem social dynamics

Mood

anxious reflective

Type

advice observational

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • workplace
  • family gatherings
  • online communities

Key Concepts

psychology status rejection

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who do you seek approval from?
  • How does fear of contempt affect your choices?
A Different Perspective

Not all relationships are worth sacrificing authenticity for.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Alice Munro

Explore all 261 Alice Munro quotes

More Categories quotes

Browse all 927 Categories quotes