Cynicism Quote by Soren Kierkegaard
““All men have a natural fear of making a mistake--by believing too well of a person. However, the error of believing too ill of a person is perhaps not feared, at least not in the same degree as the other.””
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Essay: “The Concept of Anxiety,” 1844
The author argues that fearing to trust someone too much is common, but fearing to distrust them is less intense, highlighting a bias toward optimism in judgment.
In simple terms: People fear over‑trust more than under‑trust.
Key Takeaway
Recognize balanced judgment.
Themes
philosophy
trust
human nature
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- making hiring decisions
- forming friendships
- leadership choices
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
risk assessment
ethical judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you tend to over‑trust or under‑trust?
- How does this bias affect your decisions?
A Different Perspective
Over‑trust can lead to vulnerability.
