Animosity Quote by Primo Levi
“I have many times been praised for my lack of animosity towards the Germans. It's not a philosophical virtue. It's a habit of having my second reactions before the first.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Drowned and the Saved, Primo Levi, 1986
He values reacting calmly before anger, seeing it as a habit, not a moral virtue.
In simple terms: Calm reactions are a habit, not virtue.
Cultivate thoughtful responses.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
- stress management
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you train a second‑reaction habit?
- What situations test your calmness?
Habits can be hard to change without awareness.