The cynic is one who never sees a good quality in a man and never fails to see a bad one. He is the human owl, vigilant in darkness and blind to light, mousing for vermin, and never seeing noble game. The cynic puts all human actions into two classes - openly bad and secretly bad.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A cynic focuses exclusively on the negative aspects of human nature, ignoring any goodness that exists.
- In plain terms
- Cynics only see bad things in people and miss the good.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize that cynicism blinds you to positive human qualities.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How often do you look for the good in others?
- Is cynicism a defense mechanism?
Another view
Some people may deserve skepticism based on past actions.
More from Henry Ward Beecher
It is not well for a man to pray, cream; and live skim milk.
Permalink to quote #2 Humor is, however, nearer right than any emotion we have. Humor is the atmosphere in which grace most flourishes.
Permalink to quote #4 Never forget what a man says to you when he is angry.
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