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Contempt Quotes

When respect turns to scorn.

Contempt often hides behind politeness or wit, which is what makes these lines so pointed. Readers drawn to sharper language may also like Admiration quotes.

Familiarity breeds contempt.

Quotes by Aesop

Familiarity with evil breeds not contempt but acceptance.

Quotes by Roy Hattersley

Between flattery and admiration there often flows a river of contempt.

Quotes by Minna Antrim

Terrorism is contempt for human dignity.

Quotes by Kjell Magne Bondevik

Acceptance Quotes

What is this world that is hastening me toward I know not what, viewing me with contempt?

Khalil Gibran

Compassion is contempt with a human face.

Quotes by John McCarthy

Facetiousness is allowable when it is the most proper instrument of exposing things apparently base and vile to due contempt.

Quotes by Isaac Barrow

My father had lifelong contempt for politicians.

Quotes by Gore Vidal

The particular article ought in my opinion to be treated with absolute contempt. It is too vile to touch.

Quotes by Emma Lazarus

Admiration Quotes

I don't have contempt for Tiger Woods.

Quotes by Dan Jenkins

There can be no prestige without mystery, for familiarity breeds contempt.

Quotes by Charles de Gaulle

My philosophy is familiarity breeds contempt.

Quotes by Chaka Khan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central idea behind these contempt quotes?
They explore how quickly respect or admiration can curdle into disdain, often through familiarity, flattery gone wrong, or moral judgment.
How does familiarity relate to contempt in this collection?
One quote flips the usual saying, arguing that familiarity with evil breeds acceptance rather than contempt, a sharper and more unsettling claim.
Is compassion connected to contempt in any of these quotes?
Yes, one quote describes compassion as contempt wearing a human face, suggesting that pity can sometimes mask a quieter form of looking down on someone.
Can contempt serve a useful purpose according to these quotes?
One quote argues that facetiousness is allowable when it exposes base or vile things to the contempt they deserve, framing scorn as a tool for moral clarity.
What other quotes explore similar emotional contrasts?
Try Admiration quotes and Acceptance quotes for the flip side of this theme.

Whether it's compassion wearing a hard face or familiarity turning sour, the theme cuts deep. Continue with Acceptance quotes and Compassion quotes.