Tis a barbarous temper, and a sign of a very ill nature…
“Tis a barbarous temper, and a sign of a very ill nature, to take delight in shocking any one: and, on the contrary, it is the mark of an amiable and a beneficent temper, to say all the kind things one can, without flattery or playing the hypocrite,--and what never fails of procuring the love and esteem of every one; which, next to doing good to a deserving object who wants it, is one of the greatest pleasures of this life.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Showing kindness without false praise earns lasting respect and joy, unlike delighting in shocking others, which reveals a bad nature.
In simple terms: Kindness without flattery builds love and esteem.
Key Takeaway
Be genuinely kind, not cruel.
Themes
kindness
respect
humility
Mood
warm
reflective
Type
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
virtue
social harmony
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice sincere kindness?
- What risks arise from shocking others?
A Different Perspective
Kindness can be mistaken for weakness.