Cruelty Quote by Johann Georg Ritter von Zimmermann
“Liberal of cruelty are those who pamper with promises; promisers destroy while they deceive, and the hope they raise is dearly purchased by the dependence that is sequent to disappointment.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On Human Nature, 1760
Promises can become cruel when they create false hope, leading to deeper disappointment and dependence.
In simple terms: False promises cause pain and dependence.
Key Takeaway
Beware of empty promises.
Themes
trust
deception
hope
dependence
disappointment
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- Political rhetoric
- marketing
- personal relationships
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
Ethics
Psychology
Power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do promise‑makers have?
- How can we protect ourselves from false hope?
A Different Perspective
Not all promises are inherently cruel; context matters.
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