Man is so made that if he is told often enough that he is a fool he believes it. (535)
PsychologyBeliefCommunicationSelf esteemMotivationSelf perception
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- If people are repeatedly told they are foolish, they may start to believe it.
- In plain terms
- Repeated insults can make people think they are fools.
- What can you take from it?
- Words shape self‑belief.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does repeated messaging affect confidence?
- What protects against internalizing insults?
Another view
Some individuals resist negative labeling.
More from Blaise Pascal
Man is only a disguise, a liar, a hypocrite, both to himself and to others. (377)
Permalink to quote #36 Men spend their time chasing a ball or a hare; it is the very sport of kings. (141)
Permalink to quote #38 L'homme est un roseau, le plus faible de la nature, mais c'est un roseau pensant. (347)
Permalink to quote #35
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