Air Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“A cool blooded and crafty politician, when he would be thoroughly revenged on his enemy, makes the injuries which have been inflicted, not on himself, but on others, the pretext of his attack. He thus engages the world as a partisan in his quarrel, and dignifies his private hate, by giving it the air of disinterested resentment.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Miscellany, 1820
A cunning politician hides personal revenge behind a façade of impartiality, blaming others to mask his own hatred.
In simple terms: Politician pretends to be neutral while seeking revenge.
Key Takeaway
Beware hidden motives in conflict.
Themes
politics
revenge
manipulation
Mood
cautious
skeptical
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- Corporate disputes
- family feuds
- legal battles
- public debates
Key Concepts
Moral psychology
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives might be concealed behind a public stance?
- How can one discern genuine concern from strategic aggression?
A Different Perspective
Such tactics can erode trust and backfire.
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