However little you may esteem them as individuals, it is…
““However little you may esteem them as individuals, it is not pleasant to be looked upon as a liar and a hypocrite. To be thought to practice what you abhor. And to encourage the vices you would discountenance. To find your good intentions frustrated and your hands crippled by your supposed unworthiness, and to bring disgrace on the principles you profess.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Being judged as dishonest or hypocritical is painful; it arises when actions contradict personal morals, leading to frustration and loss of integrity.
In simple terms: Seeing yourself as a liar hurts.
Key Takeaway
Align actions with values to avoid hypocrisy.
Themes
integrity
self‑respect
hypocrisy
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- public speaking
- leadership
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
morality
self‑image
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile conflicting values?
- What steps can restore credibility?
A Different Perspective
People may rationalize hypocrisy, making change hard.