No man likes to have his intelligence or good faith questioned, especially if he has doubts about it himself.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People resist having their integrity or intelligence challenged, particularly when they already harbor self-doubts.
- In plain terms
- No one wants their smarts or honesty questioned, especially if they are unsure themselves.
- What can you take from it?
- Defensiveness often stems from internal insecurity rather than external attack.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do I get defensive?
- What am I insecure about?
Another view
Sometimes intelligence or faith is actually questionable, not just perceived.
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