Mean spirited Quote by David A. Bednar
““Certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean spirited things do occur in our interactions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else.””
About This Quote
Offense is a personal decision, not an external imposition; we choose how to interpret others' actions.
In simple terms: Offense is self‑chosen.
Key Takeaway
We control our reactions.
Themes
personal responsibility
perception
emotional autonomy
interpersonal dynamics
mindfulness
choice
Mood
reflective
empowering
calm
Type
philosophical
motivational
advice
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- customer service
- team meetings
- family disagreements
- online discussions
Key Concepts
subjectivity of offense
psychological agency
cognitive reframing
Practical Applications
- coaching emotional resilience
- designing communication training
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing offense as a choice affect your relationships?
- What practices help you reclaim agency over your emotional responses?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that systemic power imbalances can make certain remarks inherently harmful, limiting the freedom to simply choose not to be offended.
![“As we learn in [the] scriptures, the fundamental purposes for the gift of agency were to love one another and to choose God. Thus we become God's chosen and invite His tender mercies as we use our agency to choose God.” quote by David A. Bednar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/92f/david-a-bednar-2121_agency_as-we-learn-in-the-scriptures-the-fundam_144654.jpg)
![“If they [liberals] didn't believe we were mean spirited they couldn't stay liberal. They have to believe they mean better than us, but we don't have to believe that we mean better than them. We have to believe that we do better than them. We measure morality by what happens not what is intended.” quote by Dennis Prager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95d/dennis-prager-631_believe_if-they-liberals-didn-t-believe-we-were_111894.jpg)
