Character Quote by Mark Twain
“There is no character, howsoever good and fine, but it can be destroyed by ridicule, howsoever poor and witless.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, 1876
Ridicule can undermine even the best character, regardless of its quality or the person's wit.
In simple terms: Mockery can destroy good character.
Key Takeaway
Guard against mockery.
Themes
character
mockery
integrity
social influence
Mood
defensive
reflective
Type
cautionary
observational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- public speaking
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
reputation
psychology
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect your values from ridicule?
- When is ridicule justified?
A Different Perspective
Ridicule may also be a tool for truth-telling or social critique.
