Contempt Quote by Karl Marx
““Self-contempt is a serpent that ever gnaws at one's breath, sucking the life-blood from one's own heart and mixing it with the poison of misanthropy and despair.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Human Nature, 1867
Self‑contempt erodes personal vitality, turning inner life into bitterness and despair, undermining both self and society.
In simple terms: Self‑contempt destroys inner life and spreads negativity.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate self‑respect to avoid corrosive self‑hatred.
Themes
self‑esteem
psychology
social health
Mood
somber
introspective
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- mental health counseling
- relationship conflicts
Key Concepts
existentialism
self‑destruction
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers your self‑contempt?
- How can you replace it with self‑compassion?
A Different Perspective
Self‑contempt can be a symptom of deeper trauma, not just moral failing.
![“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}