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It is difficult to like those whom we do not esteem; but…

“It is difficult to like those whom we do not esteem; but it is no less so to like those whom we esteem more than ourselves.” quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
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“It is difficult to like those whom we do not esteem; but it is no less so to like those whom we esteem more than ourselves.”

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

About This Quote

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

We struggle to like those we deem low, yet we also face difficulty liking those we think superior.

In simple terms: Both low and high esteem people are hard to like.

Key Takeaway

Recognize bias in how you value others.

Themes

humility esteem social bias

Mood

thoughtful philosophical

Type

social psychological

When to use this quote

  • friendships
  • workplace dynamics
  • political discourse
  • family relations

Key Concepts

psychology of admiration ego class perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we favor those we esteem?
  • Can we truly love without comparison?
A Different Perspective

People may resist changing ingrained social hierarchies.

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