There are few things more disturbing than to find, in…
“There are few things more disturbing than to find, in somebody we detest, a moral quality which seems to us demonstrably superior to anything we ourselves possess. It augurs not merely an unfairness on the part of creation, but a lack of artistic judgment. Sainthood is acceptable only in saints.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Finding admirable traits in someone we despise challenges our sense of fairness and artistic judgment, suggesting bias in moral evaluation.
In simple terms: Admiring foes feels unfair and shows bias.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias when judging others.
Themes
morality
bias
artistic judgment
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- self‑reflection
- critical reading
Key Concepts
psychology
ethics
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we resent admirable qualities in enemies?
- How can we assess merit impartially?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex characters.