Antagonist Quote by Oliver Goldsmith
“Ridicule has even been the most powerful enemy of enthusiasm, and properly the only antagonist that can be opposed to it with success.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Citizen of the World, 1760
Enthusiasm thrives when ridicule is absent; ridicule can undermine motivation, making it the main foe that can be countered by confidence and support.
In simple terms: Ridicule kills enthusiasm, but confidence can fight it.
Key Takeaway
Build confidence and supportive environments.
Themes
motivation
confidence
social influence
Mood
reflective
encouraging
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- public speaking
- creative brainstorming
- learning new skills
- leadership training
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
self‑esteem
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you turn criticism into encouragement?
- What support structures reduce ridicule?
A Different Perspective
Ridicule may sometimes be constructive criticism, not just a threat.
![“[T]here are depths of thousands of miles which are hidden from our inquiry. The only tidings we have from those unfathomable regions are by means of volcanoes, those burning mountains that seem to discharge their materials from the lowest abysses of the earth.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b7d/oliver-goldsmith-772_abyss_t-here-are-depths-of-thousands-of-miles_88121.jpg)
