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Being nice Quote by Paul Bloom

“It would be nice if everybody who had something interesting to say about my work could say it politely and civilly, but it doesn't work that way... Sometimes people are just really nasty.” quote by Paul Bloom
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“It would be nice if everybody who had something interesting to say about my work could say it politely and civilly, but it doesn't work that way... Sometimes people are just really nasty.”

Paul Bloom

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015

People often fail to give constructive feedback, opting for harshness instead of civility.

In simple terms: Politeness is rare in criticism.

Key Takeaway

Seek respectful dialogue.

Themes

communication respect feedback

Mood

frustrated reflective

Type

advice observational

When to use this quote

  • workplace reviews
  • academic critique
  • online comments

Key Concepts

psychology social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we encourage civil critique?
  • What triggers nastiness in feedback?
A Different Perspective

Politeness may not be realistic in high‑stakes environments.

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