quotations about contempt
Contempt is often said to be a "cool" emotion, relative to the heat of anger or the visceral power of disgust. Contempt motivates neither attack nor withdrawel; rather, it seems to cause social-cognitive changes such that the object of contempt will be treated with less warmth, respect, and consideration in future interactions.
RICHARD J. DAVIDSON
Handbook of Affective Sciences
I have a proud character that cannot bear contempt.
FYODOR DOSTOYEVSKY
The Brothers Karamazov
Teach not thy lip such scorn, for it was made
For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
King Richard III
Contempt is a lifestyle.
GOD FORBID
"Better Days"
Nothing is so contemptible as habitual contempt. It is impossible to remain long under its control without being dwarfed by its influence.
ELIAS LYMAN MAGOON
attributed, Day's Collacon
Contempt is the middle brother of the other-condemning family. It falls so squarely in between anger and disgust that it is sometimes said to be a blend of the two.
RICHARD J. DAVIDSON
Handbook of Affective Sciences
Unlike criticism, contempt is particularly toxic because it assumes a moral superiority in the speaker. Contempt is often directed at people who have been excluded from a group or declared unworthy its benefits. Contempt is often used by governments to provide rhetorical cover for torture or abuse.
SEBASTIAN JUNGER
Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging