--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Man, at least when educated, is a…" description: "\"Man, at least when educated, is a pessimist. He believes it safer not to reflect on his achievements; Jove is known to strike such people down.\" — John..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/212/john-kenneth-galbraith-643_achievement_man-at-least-when-educated-is-a-pessimis_1144129.png" --- # Man, at least when educated, is a pessimist. He believes… ![“Man, at least when educated, is a pessimist. He believes it safer not to reflect on his achievements; Jove is known to strike such people down.” quote by John Kenneth Galbraith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/212/john-kenneth-galbraith-643_achievement_man-at-least-when-educated-is-a-pessimis_1144129.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/212/john-kenneth-galbraith-643_achievement_man-at-least-when-educated-is-a-pessimis_1144129.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/212/john-kenneth-galbraith-643_achievement_man-at-least-when-educated-is-a-pessimis_1144129.png) > “Man, at least when educated, is a pessimist. He believes it safer not to reflect on his achievements; Jove is known to strike such people down.” [John Kenneth Galbraith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-kenneth-galbraith/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Educated pessimism leads people to avoid reflecting on successes, fearing divine retribution for hubris. **In simple terms:** Success can make people fearful of pride. Key Takeaway Balance confidence with humility. Themes pessimism education pride reflection Mood analytical critical Type philosophical reflective When to use this quote - career advancement - academic achievement - public speaking Key Concepts psychology philosophy social critique Questions to Reflect On - Do you celebrate your achievements? - How does fear of hubris affect your goals? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on fear may hinder progress. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Achievement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/achievement/) [Believe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/believe/) [Educated](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/educated/) [Educated Pessimist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/educated-pessimist-3202393/) [Jove Known](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jove-known-3202395/) [Man Educated](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/man-educated-1040935/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Optimism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/optimism/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Pessimism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pessimism/) [Pessimist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pessimist/) [Pessimist Believes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pessimist-believes-3202394/) [Strikes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strikes/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) ## Related quotes > [Modern man is educated to understand foreign languages and misunderstand foreigners.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gilbert-k-chesterton/modern-man-is-educated-to-understand-foreign-languages-and/) [Gilbert K. 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