Of all the cants which are canted in this canting world, - though the cant of hypocrites may be the worst, - the cant of criticism is the most tormenting!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Sterne argues that while hypocrisy is bad, the critical judgments of others are the most irritating form of social cant.
- In plain terms
- Being critical of others is more annoying than being hypocritical.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid being overly critical of others to reduce social friction.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How often do I criticize others unnecessarily?
- Is my criticism helpful or just annoying?
Another view
Criticism can sometimes be necessary for growth or accountability.
More from Laurence Sterne
Our armies swore terribly in Flanders, cried my uncle Toby, - but nothing to this. - For my own part, I could not have a heart to curse my dog so.
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