Chiefs Quote by Edwin Percy Whipple
“The very large, very respectable, and very knowing class of misanthropes who rejoice in the name of grumblers,--persons who are so sure that the world is going to ruin, that they resent every attempt to comfort them as an insult to their sagacity, and accordingly seek their chief consolation in being inconsolable, their chief pleasure in being displeased.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Misery of Misanthropy, 1850
A group of cynical, self‑appointed wise men find comfort in being discontent, rejecting comfort as an insult to their perceived insight.
In simple terms: Cynical people enjoy being unhappy and reject comfort.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when negativity is a false identity.
Themes
cynicism
discontent
intellectual arrogance
Mood
skeptical
melancholic
Type
observational
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political discourse
- mental health counseling
- creative writing
- social media interaction
Key Concepts
misanthropy
self‑deception
identity
comfort avoidance
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever dismiss kindness to protect a self‑image?
- How might embracing comfort improve your wellbeing?
A Different Perspective
Such attitudes can alienate others and prevent genuine connection or growth.
