Contempt Quote by Hilary Mantel
““Has it ever occurred to you that Max feels the same basic contempt for you as you do for him?” “He feels contempt for me?” “It is something he feels very readily.” “No, I hadn’t thought that.” “Well, the whole world isn’t driven by your appetites, and people who are not feel themselves your superior, naturally. He struggles very hard to make allowances for you. He is not tolerant, but he is charitable. Or perhaps it is the other way around.” “One becomes tired of analyzing his character,” Danton said. “As if one’s life depended on it.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, 2009
People often project their own contempt onto others, yet also recognize similar feelings in those they judge.
In simple terms: We see our own contempt in others.
Key Takeaway
Recognize mutual contempt.
Themes
perception
self-awareness
judgment
Mood
introspective
critical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- negotiations
- team dynamics
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
psychology of projection
interpersonal dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you assume others feel as you do?
- How can you verify true feelings?
A Different Perspective
Assuming others share our contempt may be inaccurate.
![“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}