Animal Quote by William Hazlitt
“There is not a more mean, stupid, dastardly, pitiful, selfish, spiteful, envious, ungrateful animal than the Public. It is the greatest of cowards, for it is afraid of itself.”
About This Quote
Human nature often reveals selfishness and cowardice, as people fear confronting their own flaws, leading to collective negativity.
In simple terms: People fear themselves, causing negativity.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge self‑fear to improve society.
Themes
human nature
selfishness
fear
Mood
critical
reflective
philosophical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- personal development
- group dynamics
- leadership training
- conflict resolution
- public discourse
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people fear their own nature?
- How can societies foster self‑acceptance?
A Different Perspective
Not all individuals exhibit these traits; context matters.
![“For no one, in our long decline,So dusty, spiteful and divided,Had quite such pleasant friends as mine,Or loved them half as much as I did. [stanza 3]The library was most inviting:The books upon the crowded shelvesWere mainly of our private writing:We kept a school and taught ourselves. [stanza…” quote by Hilaire Belloc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/913/hilaire-belloc-2294_book_for-no-one-in-our-long-decline-so-dusty_140002.jpg)
