Men Quote by William Penn
“Some men do as much begrudge others a good name, as they want one themselves: and perhaps that is the reason of it.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: “Some Account of the Present State of Pennsylvania” (1682)
The quote suggests that people often resent others' good reputations because they desire the same respect for themselves, implying envy fuels criticism.
In simple terms: Envy drives people to begrudge others' good names.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address envy in judgments.
Themes
envy
reputation
human nature
self‑esteem
social dynamics
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
empathetic
Type
psychological
ethical
social
When to use this quote
- workplace feedback
- online reviews
- friendship circles
- political discourse
Key Concepts
psychology of envy
social comparison
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal insecurities might underlie your judgments?
- How can you separate envy from fair critique?
A Different Perspective
Criticism may stem more from personal insecurity than objective fault.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)