Contempt Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
“Man is more sensitive to the contempt that others feel towards him than to the contempt that he feels towards himself.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Beyond Good and Evil, 1886
People are more affected by others’ contempt toward them than by their own self‑contempt.
In simple terms: External contempt hurts more than self‑contempt.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the impact of others’ judgments.
Themes
psychology
self‑esteem
social perception
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- leadership coaching
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
esteem
external validation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does external contempt shape behavior?
- Can self‑contempt be a catalyst for growth?
A Different Perspective
Self‑contempt can still be damaging.
![“I occasionally feel contempt for that attitude [degree of sexual desire towards me] when I perceive it, but maybe that's not fair. By our culture we've been taught who is most valued and who is not.” quote by Cris Mazza](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b3c/cris-mazza-31701_attitude_i-occasionally-feel-contempt-for-that-at_489276.jpg)
![“First I found [Elvis] to be a gentleman and then a gentle man. I found he could be sensitive to small issues. For someone of his stature there is very little for him to notice, ya know? He's so insulated by the people who surround him and by his own popularity. And yet Elvis will still find little…” quote by Bill Bixby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7ee/bill-bixby-47628_firsts_first-i-found-elvis-to-be-a-gentleman-an_766997.jpg)
![“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}