Nobody holds a good opinion of a man who has a low opinion of himself.
Anthony TrollopeRead
They who do not understand that a man may be brought to hope that which of all things is the most grievous to him, have not observed with sufficient closeness the perversity of the human mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the complexities of human hope and the irrationality of the human mind.
Anthony Trollope's quote explores the idea that humans can cling to hope even in situations that are ultimately painful or detrimental to their well-being. It highlights the paradoxical nature of human psychology, where individuals may find themselves yearning for outcomes that they know could lead to suffering, illustrating a deep-seated perversity in the way people think and feel about their desires and fears.
Themes
HopeHuman MindPerversityPsychologyDesire
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of hope during a psychology lecture.
More from Anthony Trollope
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But she knew this,—that it was necessary for her happiness that she should devote herself to some one. All the elegancies and outward charms of life were delightful, if only they could be used as the means to some end. As an end themselves they were nothing.
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