Cutting Quote by Eric Hoffer
“There is probably an element of malice in our readiness to overestimate people - we are, as it were, laying up for ourselves the pleasure of later cutting them down to size.”
About This Quote
People often overestimate others to later feel superior by diminishing them.
In simple terms: Overestimating others lets us feel superior later.
Key Takeaway
Beware of superiority through belittling.
Themes
ego
judgment
social dynamics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- workplace politics
- friendship
- online discourse
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
power
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we need to feel superior?
- How can humility improve relationships?
A Different Perspective
May stem from insecurity rather than truth.
![“Since I worked with Danny Boyle before on Slumdog Millionaire, we have great success and everything. So, when I first got the script and the screenplay of Simon (Beaufoy) and I was reading it, even before the shoot, some kind of sounds came into my mind and I put some stuff [down] and sent it to…” quote by A. R. Rahman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/a-r-rahman-4481_cutting_since-i-worked-with-danny-boyle-before-o_539.jpg)
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
