Bounds Quote by Petrarch
“To begin with myself, then, the utterances of men concerning me will differ widely, since in passing judgment almost every one is influenced not so much by truth as by preference, and good and evil report alike know no bounds.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Letter to an unnamed friend, 1345
People judge based on personal bias rather than objective truth, so opinions about us vary widely.
In simple terms: Judgments are shaped by personal preferences, not facts.
Seek self‑knowledge beyond others’ opinions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- relationship conflicts
- public speaking
- online reputation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate bias from fact?
- What strategies help you stay objective?
Bias can be hard to overcome even with evidence.