There is nothing that people bear more impatiently, or…
“There is nothing that people bear more impatiently, or forgive less, than contempt: and an injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Contempt is the most impatiently held and least forgiven feeling, and while injuries fade, insults linger longer.
In simple terms: Contempt is hard to forgive; insults last.
Address contempt early to prevent lasting damage.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- workplace
- family
- friendships
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is contempt so persistent?
- How can we transform contempt into understanding?
People may rationalize contempt, hindering resolution.