Public opinion Quote by Leo Tolstoy
““The greater number of the young women, who envied Anna and had long been weary of hearing her called virtuous, rejoiced at the fulfillment of their predictions, and were only waiting for a decisive turn in public opinion to fall upon her with all the weight of their scorn. They were already making ready their handfuls of mud to fling at her when the right moment arrived.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Anna Karenina, 1877
Envious peers mock a successful woman, ready to attack her when public opinion turns against her.
In simple terms: Jealous people wait to criticize when someone succeeds.
Key Takeaway
Beware of envy and its corrosive effects.
Themes
jealousy
social pressure
public opinion
Mood
cautionary
critical
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- workplace competition
- online harassment
- political smear campaigns
Key Concepts
social dynamics
female agency
reputation management
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond to envy-driven attacks?
- What can protect you from collective scorn?
A Different Perspective
Not all criticism is justified; some stems from insecurity.
