Contempt of others is the truest symptom of a base and bad…
“Contempt of others is the truest symptom of a base and bad heart,--while it suggests itself to the mean and the vile, and tickles there little fancy on every occasion, it never enters the great and good mind but on the strongest motives; nor is it then a welcome guest,--affording only an uneasy sensation, and bringing always with it a mixture of concern and compassion.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Contempt reveals a corrupt heart; it appears in the weak but is absent in the noble, causing discomfort and a mix of concern and compassion.
In simple terms: Contempt shows moral weakness.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility and empathy.
Themes
morality
humility
empathy
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
Key Concepts
ethics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we feel contempt toward others?
- How can we transform contempt into compassion?
A Different Perspective
Contempt can sometimes be a defensive reaction.