Abhorrence Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“Genius, when employed in works whose tendency it is to demoralize and to degrade us, should be contemplated with abhorrence rather than with admiration; such a monument of its power, may indeed be stamped with immortality, but like the Coliseum at Rome, we deplore its magnificence because we detest the purposes for which it was designed.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays on the Art of Being, 1820
When genius is used for harmful or degrading purposes, it should be condemned, not praised, despite its lasting fame.
In simple terms: Bad use of talent deserves scorn.
Key Takeaway
Reject praising harmful brilliance.
Themes
ethics
power
celebration
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
cautionary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political propaganda
- corporate exploitation
- media sensationalism
Key Concepts
misuse of talent
societal impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we differentiate between talent and its impact?
- When should we stop admiring harmful achievements?
A Different Perspective
Even celebrated works can cause damage.
![“By 1782 [John Adams] had come to feel for [Benjamin] Franklin "no other sentiments than Contempt or Abhorrence."” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91d/gordon-s-wood-13199_abhorrence_by-1782-john-adams-had-come-to-feel-for_357591.jpg)
