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Early in his life Mr. [Ezra] Pound met with strong…

“Early in his life Mr. [Ezra] Pound met with strong, continued, and unintelligent opposition. If people keep opposing you when you are right, you think them fools; and after a time, right or wrong, you think them fools simply because they oppose you. Similarly, you write true things or good things…” quote by Randall Jarrell
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“Early in his life Mr. [Ezra] Pound met with strong, continued, and unintelligent opposition. If people keep opposing you when you are right, you think them fools; and after a time, right or wrong, you think them fools simply because they oppose you. Similarly, you write true things or good things, and end by thinking things true or good simply because you write them”

Randall Jarrell

About This Quote

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

When others oppose you constantly, you may start labeling them as fools regardless of the truth of your position.

In simple terms: Opposition can bias judgment of others.

Key Takeaway

Beware of labeling opponents as fools.

Themes

bias judgment opposition ego truth

Mood

skeptical reflective

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • creative work
  • academic discourse
  • personal relationships
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

psychology social dynamics confirmation bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you judge opponents by their stance or by their reasoning?
  • How can you stay objective when faced with persistent criticism?
A Different Perspective

Opposition may be rational, not merely foolish.

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