Depreciate Quote by Thomas B. Macaulay
“Both in individuals and in masses violent excitement is always followed by remission, and often by reaction. We are all inclined to depreciate whatever we have overpraised, and, on the other hand, to show undue indulgence where we have shown undue rigor.”
About This Quote
Source Book: History of England, 1848
Violent excitement leads to a calming period, then often a backlash, and people tend to undervalue what they praised and overvalue what they criticized.
In simple terms: Excitement fades, then reactions follow; praise turns to criticism and vice versa.
Key Takeaway
Beware of overreacting after hype.
Themes
psychology
reaction
valuation
history
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- political movements
- stock market bubbles
- personal relationships
- public opinion
Key Concepts
Cycle of enthusiasm and disillusionment
biases in judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance enthusiasm and criticism?
- When does reaction become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
The pattern may not apply to all events, especially those with lasting impact.
![“All that stock of arguments [the skeptics] produce to depreciate our faculties, and make mankind appear ignorant and low, are drawn principally from this head, to wit, that we are under an invincible blindness as to the true and real nature of things.” quote by George Berkeley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dc0/george-berkeley-8287_argument_all-that-stock-of-arguments-the-skeptics_973459.jpg)
