The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
Men strengthen each other in their faults. Those who are alike associate together, repeat the things which all believe, defend and stimulate their common faults of disposition, and each one receives from the others a reflection of his own egotism.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People tend to reinforce each other's flaws and beliefs, leading to a cycle of shared egotism.
In this quote, Henry Ward Beecher reflects on the nature of human relationships, suggesting that individuals often group together based on similar faults and beliefs. This camaraderie can create an echo chamber effect, where people not only validate each other's shortcomings but also contribute to a collective reinforcement of egotism, limiting personal growth and understanding.
Themes
FaultsRelationshipsEgotismHuman NatureAssociation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about teamwork, one could say, 'Men strengthen each other in their faults, which is why we need to surround ourselves with positive influences.'
More from Henry Ward Beecher
All quotes →A man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
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No one can deal with the hearts of men unless he has the sympathy which is given by love.
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We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
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No man can tell if he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
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There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
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