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Contempt Quote by Arthur Schopenhauer

“If a man sets out to hate all the miserable creatures he meets, he will not have much energy left for anything else; whereas he can despise them, one and all, with the greatest ease.” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer
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“If a man sets out to hate all the miserable creatures he meets, he will not have much energy left for anything else; whereas he can despise them, one and all, with the greatest ease.”

Arthur Schopenhauer

About This Quote

Source Philosophical Treatise: The World as Will and Representation, 1818

Harboring universal hatred drains energy; selective disdain is easier, but both are unproductive.

In simple terms: Hating everyone exhausts you; despising all is easier.

Key Takeaway

Choose compassion over hatred.

Themes

hatred energy compassion

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • interpersonal conflicts
  • social media
  • personal grievances

Key Concepts

psychology ethics human behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you redirect negative feelings into constructive action?
  • What practices help cultivate compassion?
A Different Perspective

Hatred harms the hater more than the target.

4.8 out of 5 (9 ratings)

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