Built Quote by Jean Rostand
“To say of men that they are bad is to say they are worse than we think we are, or worse than the ideal man whose image we have built up on the basis of a certain few.”
About This Quote
It warns that labeling all men as bad underestimates their potential and sets an unrealistically high ideal based on limited examples.
In simple terms: Calling men bad is too harsh; we set unrealistic ideals.
Key Takeaway
Avoid overgeneralizing and recognize nuanced humanity.
Themes
ethics
human nature
philosophy
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- education
- leadership training
- self‑assessment
Key Concepts
moral psychology
idealism
Questions to Reflect On
- What standards define a “good” person?
- How do limited role models shape our judgments?
A Different Perspective
Human nature may be more complex than simple good/bad categories.
