Contempt Quote by Robert Hass
““When everything broken is broken, and everything dead is dead, and the hero has looked into the mirror with complete contempt, and the heroine has studied her face and its defects remorselessly, and the pain they thought might, as a token of their earnestness, release them from themselves has lost its novelty and not released them, and they have begun to think, kindly and distantly, watching the others go about their days— likes and dislikes, reasons, habits, fears— that self-love is the one weedy stalk of every human blossoming, and understood, therefore, why they had been, all their lives, in such a fury to defend it, and that no one— except some almost inconceivable saint in his pool of poverty and silence—can escape this violent, automatic life’s companion ever, maybe then, ordinary light, faint music under things, a hovering like grace appears.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Love of the World” by Robert Hass, 1995
The quote reflects on humanity’s endless pursuit of self‑love, the futility of seeking external validation, and the rare moments of quiet grace that emerge when we accept our imperfections.
In simple terms: People chase self‑love, but true peace comes from accepting flaws and finding quiet grace.
Key Takeaway
Embrace imperfections and seek inner calm.
Themes
self‑love
existential angst
acceptance
beauty in imperfection
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
hopeful
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- creative writing
- therapy sessions
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
poetry
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑love influence your relationships?
- What quiet moments bring you grace?
A Different Perspective
The idea that self‑love is the sole driver may overlook communal bonds and altruism.
![“Every person of any rank in the left, from voter on up to cabinet member to elected official in the Democrat Party, has contempt. We [Republicans] are the number one enemy. And they will put aside whatever differences they have.” quote by Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08a/rush-limbaugh-28_cabinets_every-person-of-any-rank-in-the-left-fro_29974.jpg){kind=icon}