Dissatisfaction Quote by Pearl S. Buck
“Prejudice ... is a subjective emotion which expresses itself upon others only because of an inner necessity for release. The object is irrelevant and opportune. The person who feels prejudice is the victim of himself and his own unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Life is not what he wants it to be and it has not been what he wishes it had been.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Good Earth, 1931
Prejudice is an inner emotional release that projects personal dissatisfaction onto unrelated others, making the holder its own victim.
In simple terms: Prejudice is personal unhappiness projected onto others.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address your own unhappiness.
Themes
psychology
self-awareness
emotions
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace dynamics
- social activism
Key Concepts
projection
inner conflict
self‑victimization
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your own unhappiness shape your judgments?
- Can you separate personal pain from external judgments?
A Different Perspective
Prejudice can also stem from genuine fear or threat, not just inner release.
