What I have known with respect to myself, has tended much to lessen both my admiration, and my contempt, of others.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Understanding your own flaws makes you less likely to admire or despise others too strongly.
- In plain terms
- Knowing yourself reduces extreme judgment of others.
- What can you take from it?
- Self-knowledge tempers how you judge others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does knowing your flaws help you judge others?
- How does self-awareness affect your opinions?
Another view
Sometimes clear judgment of others is necessary and valid.
More from Joseph Priestley
We should like to have some towering geniuses, to reveal us to ourselves in color and fire, but of course they would have to fit into the pattern of our societ…
Permalink to quote #19 When I was young there was no respect for the young, and now that I am old there is no respect for the old. I missed out coming and going.
Permalink to quote #21 We pay when old for the excesses of youth.
Permalink to quote #18
Related quotes
There, but for the grace of God, goes God.
Herman J. MankiewiczHerman J. Mankiewicz quote #1 No man can justly censure or condemn another, because indeed no man truly knows another.
Sir Thomas BrowneSir Thomas Browne quote #21 I'm not one to despise other people for their sins. I haven't found one yet, that I didn't say to myself, I've done worse than this
Orson Scott CardOrson Scott Card quote #108