I am far more provoked at being thought foolish by foolish people, than pleased at being thought sensible by sensible people; and the average proportion of the numbers of each is not to my advantage.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- It is more annoying to be judged foolish by fools than to be judged sensible by sensible people, especially since fools often outnumber sensible people.
- In plain terms
- Being disliked by foolish people bothers me more than being liked by sensible ones.
- What can you take from it?
- Don't seek approval from those who cannot judge you well.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who is judging you?
- Does their opinion matter?
Another view
Some foolish opinions can still harm your reputation regardless of their validity.
More from John Ruskin
An unimaginative person can neither be reverent nor kind.
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