Of all hostile feelings, envy is perhaps the hardest to be…
“Of all hostile feelings, envy is perhaps the hardest to be subdued, because hardly any one owns it even to himself, but looks out for one pretext after another to justify his hostility.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Envy persists because people rarely admit it, instead inventing reasons to rationalize their resentment.
In simple terms: Envy hides behind excuses.
Key Takeaway
Self‑deception fuels hostility.
Themes
self‑awareness
psychology
emotions
defense mechanisms
social perception
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
observation
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal conflict
- workplace rivalry
- family disputes
- political opposition
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
self‑justification
emotional regulation
Practical Applications
- conflict resolution coaching
- self‑reflection workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- How might acknowledging envy change its power?
- What excuses do we use to mask resentment?