If men had not this delusion as to the ultra-importance of…
““If men had not this delusion as to the ultra-importance of their own particular employments, I suppose that they would sit down and kill themselves. But their weakness is wearisome, particularly when the listener knows that he himself commits exactly the same sin.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People overvalue their work, leading to self‑destruction; recognizing shared flaws can reduce judgment.
In simple terms: Overvaluing work leads to self‑destruction
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge shared humanity
Themes
pride
self‑destruction
humility
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
essay
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace stress
- personal reflection
- therapy
Key Concepts
ego
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance ambition and humility?
- Can recognizing others’ flaws help you?
A Different Perspective
Self‑critique can be harsh