Contempt Quote by Anna Brownell Jameson
“All my own experience of life teaches me the contempt of cunning, not the fear. The phrase "profound cunning," has always seemed to me a contradiction in terms. I never knew a cunning mind which was not either shallow, or on some point diseased.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on Human Nature, 1845
Cunning is inherently shallow or corrupted; true wisdom avoids deceit.
In simple terms: Cunning is flawed; seek honesty.
Key Takeaway
Value integrity over cleverness.
Themes
ethics
character
wisdom
deception
human nature
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political leadership
- business negotiations
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
psychology
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- When is cunning justified?
- Can cleverness coexist with virtue?
A Different Perspective
Cunning can sometimes be used for protective or strategic purposes.
![“Every person of any rank in the left, from voter on up to cabinet member to elected official in the Democrat Party, has contempt. We [Republicans] are the number one enemy. And they will put aside whatever differences they have.” quote by Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08a/rush-limbaugh-28_cabinets_every-person-of-any-rank-in-the-left-fro_29974.jpg){kind=icon}
