Admiration, n. Our polite recognition of another's resemblance to ourselves.
SocietyHuman naturePsychologyAdmirationEgoSocial interaction
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bierce claims admiration is just a polite way of recognizing someone else resembles us.
- In plain terms
- We admire people when they are like us, and we are polite about it.
- What can you take from it?
- Admiration often reflects self-recognition rather than unique merit.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you admire in others?
- Is all admiration selfish?
Another view
This view is too reductionist and ignores genuine altruistic respect.
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