--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They are not so hypocritical as to…" description: "\"“They are not so hypocritical as to pretend that they are without standards—or without likes and dislikes. But they do not moralize and they do not see..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b7f/nathaniel-branden-2125_habits_they-are-not-so-hypocritical-as-to-prete_2523695.jpg" --- # They are not so hypocritical as to pretend that they are… ![“They are not so hypocritical as to pretend that they are without standards—or without likes and dislikes. But they do not moralize and they do not seek to change behavior by evoking guilt. Thus, they do not say, “Only a sick person would do that.” Or, “Do you know how immoral you are?” Or, “Until…” quote by Nathaniel Branden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b7f/nathaniel-branden-2125_habits_they-are-not-so-hypocritical-as-to-prete_2523695.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b7f/nathaniel-branden-2125_habits_they-are-not-so-hypocritical-as-to-prete_2523695.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b7f/nathaniel-branden-2125_habits_they-are-not-so-hypocritical-as-to-prete_2523695.jpg) > ““They are not so hypocritical as to pretend that they are without standards—or without likes and dislikes. But they do not moralize and they do not seek to change behavior by evoking guilt. Thus, they do not say, “Only a sick person would do that.” Or, “Do you know how immoral you are?” Or, “Until you acknowledge your depravity, I can’t help you.” Or, “Not very bright, are you?” When we bombard people with our evaluations of their character, intelligence, and the like, we may intimidate but we do not inspire growth, confidence, or self-respect.”” [Nathaniel Branden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-branden/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Criticizing others with moral judgments intimidates rather than encourages growth; supportive feedback fosters confidence. **In simple terms:** Harsh judgment hurts; supportive feedback helps. Key Takeaway Offer encouragement, avoid moralizing. Themes self‑esteem communication growth Mood empathetic constructive Type advice psychological When to use this quote - education - therapy - leadership Key Concepts feedback style psychological safety Questions to Reflect On - How can you give honest yet uplifting feedback? - What language builds confidence? A Different Perspective Some may interpret encouragement as insincere. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Habits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/habits/) ## Related quotes > [“They will call you immoral if you dare to describe their immorality”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bangambiki-habyarimana/they-will-call-you-immoral-if-you-dare-to-describe-their-immorality/) [Bangambiki Habyarimana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bangambiki-habyarimana/) > [“God is right beside you, right now. Not in some mystical otherworldly sense, but in the hungry person you have a chance to feed;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aric-clark/god-is-right-beside-you-right-now-not-in-some-mystical-otherworldly/) [Aric Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aric-clark/) > [“Most people seem to get bored easily when having an easy life, and need to feed on drama and conflicts to feel alive. 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Anyone who is happy should sing praises. Anyone who is sick should call the church's elders. They…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/anyone-who-is-having-troubles-should-pray-anyone-who-is-happy-should/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [A sick person is Allah's guest for as long as he is ill. Every day he is sick, God gives him countless rewards, as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kristiane-backer/a-sick-person-is-allah-s-guest-for-as-long-as-he-is-ill-every-day-he/) [Kristiane Backer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kristiane-backer/) > [“Lying there in silence, Elim thought about how quickly a person’s fate could change, how precious life and health are. He had walked into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-riddle/lying-there-in-silence-elim-thought-about-how-quickly-a-person-s-fate/) [A.G. Riddle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-riddle/) > [I am never happier in the Lord than when I am in a bedroom with a sick person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/smith-wigglesworth/i-am-never-happier-in-the-lord-than-when-i-am-in-a-bedroom-with-a/) [Smith Wigglesworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/smith-wigglesworth/) > [Look, I am a Palestinian elected representative from Jericho. 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Contrary to popular belief, it is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathaniel-branden/to-preserve-an-unclouded-capacity-for-the-enjoyment-of-life-is-an/) [Nathaniel Branden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-branden/) > [A commitment to lifelong learning is a natural expression of the practice of living consciously.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathaniel-branden/a-commitment-to-lifelong-learning-is-a-natural-expression-of-the/) [Nathaniel Branden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-branden/) > [What a great teacher, a great parent, a great psychotherapist and a great coach have in common is a deep belief in the potential…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathaniel-branden/what-a-great-teacher-a-great-parent-a-great-psychotherapist-and-a/) [Nathaniel Branden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-branden/) > [If we are happy within ourselves, we don't accept or demand that our partner should fulfill every need. 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Inculcate transparency in attitude and experience a life free of controversy and blame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dr-anil-kr-sinha/transparency-pertains-to-impartial-behavior-implies-openness/) [Dr Anil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dr-anil-kr-sinha/) [Browse all 12,567 Habits quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/habits/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“They are not so hypocritical as to pretend that they are without standards—or without likes and dislikes. But they do not moralize and they do not seek to change behavior by evoking guilt. 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