Skip to content

Now, as you well know, it is not seldom the case in this…

“Now, as you well know, it is not seldom the case in this conventional world of ours—watery or otherwise; that when a person placed in command over his fellow-men finds one of them to be very significantly his superior in general pride of manhood, straightway against that man he conceives an…” quote by Herman Melville
Download Open image
““Now, as you well know, it is not seldom the case in this conventional world of ours—watery or otherwise; that when a person placed in command over his fellow-men finds one of them to be very significantly his superior in general pride of manhood, straightway against that man he conceives an unconquerable dislike and bitterness; and if he had a chance he will pull down and pulverize that subaltern’s tower, and make a little heap of dust of it.””

Herman Melville

About This Quote

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

Leaders may resent subordinates who surpass them, leading to destructive envy.

In simple terms: Leaders can feel jealous of better subordinates.

Key Takeaway

Beware of envy in leadership.

Themes

leadership envy power dynamics

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • politics
  • team projects

Key Concepts

psychology hierarchy insecurity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What triggers envy in authority?
  • How can teams mitigate power struggles?
A Different Perspective

Envy can damage collaboration and morale.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Herman Melville

Explore all 1,009 Herman Melville quotes

More Bitterness quotes

Browse all 1,210 Bitterness quotes