I am, indeed, against all proselyters, whether they be on…
““I am, indeed, against all proselyters, whether they be on my side or on some other side. What moves nine-tenths of them, I believe, is simply the certainty of the result that I have just mentioned. Their lofty pretensions are all tosh. The thing they yearn for is the satisfaction of making someone unhappy: that yearning is almost as universal among them as thirst is in dry Congressmen.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Mencken criticizes proselytizers, claiming they seek the satisfaction of making others unhappy, driven by certainty of their own convictions.
In simple terms: Proselytizers enjoy making others unhappy.
Key Takeaway
Beware of those who relish imposing beliefs.
Themes
religion
critique
human nature
psychology
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public discourse
- media analysis
- ethical debate
Key Concepts
dogmatism
social influence
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates sincere belief sharing?
- How can we encourage respectful dialogue?
A Different Perspective
Not all proselytizers fit this negative view.