Contempt Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“Only the contemptible fear contempt.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Maximes, Francois de La Rochefoucauld, 1665
Fear that is merely contempt is baseless and self‑defeating.
In simple terms: Baseless contemptuous fear.
Key Takeaway
Challenge unfounded fears.
Themes
fear
contempt
self‑defeat
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- new challenges
- social critique
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers your contempt?
- How can you reframe fear?
A Different Perspective
Fear may have hidden roots.
![“Every person of any rank in the left, from voter on up to cabinet member to elected official in the Democrat Party, has contempt. We [Republicans] are the number one enemy. And they will put aside whatever differences they have.” quote by Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08a/rush-limbaugh-28_cabinets_every-person-of-any-rank-in-the-left-fro_29974.jpg){kind=icon}