Skip to content

Compare two people, one of whom has been crippled by an…

“Compare two people, one of whom has been crippled by an accident, the other by an early environmental history which makes him lazy and, when criticized, mean. Both cause great inconvenience to others, but one dies a martyr, the other a scoundrel.” quote by B.F. Skinner
Download Open image
““Compare two people, one of whom has been crippled by an accident, the other by an early environmental history which makes him lazy and, when criticized, mean. Both cause great inconvenience to others, but one dies a martyr, the other a scoundrel.””

B.F. Skinner

About This Quote

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

The quote contrasts two types of disability: physical injury versus self‑inflicted laziness, showing how both can harm others but are judged differently.

In simple terms: Physical vs. mental hindrance, judged unequally.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden biases in judging others.

Themes

bias disability responsibility judgment

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • workplace dynamics
  • education
  • public policy
  • interpersonal conflict

Key Concepts

behaviorism social perception morality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we differentiate between caused and self‑inflicted limitations?
  • What role does society play in labeling someone a martyr or scoundrel?
A Different Perspective

It oversimplifies complex social causes and ignores systemic factors.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by B.F. Skinner

Explore all 19 B.F. Skinner quotes

More History quotes

Browse all 27,263 History quotes