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When I hear a grown man or woman say, "Once I had faith in…

“When I hear a grown man or woman say, "Once I had faith in men, now I have not," I am inclined to ask, "Who are you whom the world has disappointed? Have not you rather disappointed the world?"” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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“When I hear a grown man or woman say, "Once I had faith in men, now I have not," I am inclined to ask, "Who are you whom the world has disappointed? Have not you rather disappointed the world?"”

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

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

Disappointment in humanity often reflects personal disillusionment, prompting us to question who truly fails us.

In simple terms: People blame others for disappointment.

Key Takeaway

Examine your own expectations.

Themes

disillusionment responsibility human nature

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • community building
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

existentialism self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who are you truly blaming?
  • How can you shift perspective?
A Different Perspective

It may ignore systemic issues causing disappointment.

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