Esteem Quote by Moliere
“Esteem must be founded on preference: to hold everyone in high esteem is to esteem nothing.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Le Misanthrope, 1666
Esteem should be selective; universal admiration dilutes true value.
In simple terms: Value is based on preference.
Key Takeaway
Reserve esteem for what truly matters.
Themes
esteem
preference
value
selectivity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- friendship choices
- professional evaluations
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
philosophical discernment
social hierarchy
personal standards
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide who deserves esteem?
- Can universal respect be genuine?
A Different Perspective
Risk of elitism or exclusion.
