Contempt Quote by Henry Fielding
“There are persons of that general philanthropy and easy tempers, which the world in contempt generally calls good-natured, who seem to be sent into the world with the same design with which men put little fish into a pike pond, in order only to be devoured by that voracious water-hero.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Tom Jones by Henry Fielding, 1749
Some people are overly generous and gentle, making them easy targets for exploitation, much like small fish placed in a predator's pond.
In simple terms: Overly kind people can be exploited.
Key Takeaway
Beware of being overly naive.
Themes
generosity
vulnerability
exploitation
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- charitable acts
- social media interactions
Key Concepts
human nature
social dynamics
trust
Questions to Reflect On
- When does generosity become self‑sabotage?
- How can you protect yourself while staying kind?
A Different Perspective
Kindness can be balanced with discernment.
![“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}