Contempt Quote by Henry Fielding
“There is an insolence which none but those who themselves deserve contempt can bestow, and those only who deserve no contempt can bear.”
About This Quote
Only those who are contemptible can act contemptuously; the truly respectable can endure contempt without retaliation.
In simple terms: Contemptible people show contempt; respectable people endure it.
Key Takeaway
Practice humility and resilience.
Themes
humility
respect
contempt
Mood
contemplative
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- personal integrity
- public service
Key Concepts
ethics
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when faced with contempt?
- Can you separate personal feelings from public duties?
A Different Perspective
Even respectable people may struggle with internal resentment.
![“Your sect [the Jews] by its sufferings has furnished a remarkable proof of the universal point of religious insolence, inherent in every sect, disclaimed by all while feeble and practised by all when in power. Our laws have applied the only antidote to this vice, protecting our religions, as they…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/29c/thomas-jefferson-43_antidote_your-sect-the-jews-by-its-sufferings-has_433645.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}