Care Quote by Bertrand Russell
“The widespread interest in gossip is inspired, not by a love of knowledge but by malice: no one gossips about other people's secret virtues, but only about their secret vices. Accordingly most gossip is untrue, but care is taken not to verify it. Our neighbour's sins, like the consolations of religion, are so agreeable that we do not stop to scrutinise the evidence closely.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays on the Philosophy of Religion, 1927
Gossip spreads from spite rather than curiosity, focusing on hidden flaws, not virtues, and is rarely verified.
In simple terms: People gossip out of malice, not a desire for truth.
Key Takeaway
Question motives before sharing rumors.
Themes
malice
gossip
truth
social behavior
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- social media
- family gatherings
- political discourse
Key Concepts
ethics
psychology
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we find others' faults more interesting?
- How can we encourage constructive conversation?
A Different Perspective
Gossip can sometimes reveal genuine concerns, but often harms trust.
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