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About this quote

What does it mean?
A person can be generally amiable yet self-sabotaging.
In plain terms
He is nice to others but hard on himself.
What can you take from it?
Watch out for self-inflicted problems.

Where it applies

  • evaluating a friend's behavior
  • reflecting on personal habits
  • assessing workplace relationships

Putting it to work

  • identify self-limiting behaviors
  • encourage self-compassion

Questions to consider

  • In what ways do you hold yourself back?
  • How do you treat yourself compared to others?

Another view

It oversimplifies by ignoring external causes of failure.

More from Charles Dickens

  1. 'Never,' said my aunt, 'be mean in anything; never be false; never be cruel. Avoid those three vices, Trot, and I can always be hopeful of you.'

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  2. Accidents will occur in the best regulated families; and in families not regulated by that pervading influence which sanctifies while it enhances the-a-I would…

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  3. Let sleeping dogs lie - who wants to rouse 'em?

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