Abuse Quote by Demosthenes
“It is the natural disposition of all men to listen with pleasure to abuse and slander of their neighbour, and to hear with impatience those who utter praises of themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Oration by Demosthenes, 4th century BC
People enjoy hearing gossip about others while dismissing self‑praise, revealing a bias toward negative social information.
In simple terms: People prefer gossip over self‑praise.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge this bias.
Themes
social bias
communication
ego
gossip
humility
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- political debates
- online forums
- workplace meetings
- family gatherings
- media commentary
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
reputation management
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this bias affect your relationships?
- What steps can you take to value sincere praise?
A Different Perspective
This tendency can hinder constructive feedback and self‑confidence.
