This quote suggests that those who are self-righteous, or believe they are morally superior to others, often don’t feel the need to make themselves likable or attractive in their behavior and interactions. This is because they already believe that their moral high ground makes them inherently superior and thus exempt from the usual social conventions of charm and politeness. As a result, such individuals may come across as doubly offensive – firstly due to their self-righteousness itself which can be grating to others, and secondly due to their lack of effort in being pleasant or charming.
The quote implies a critique of self-righteousness as it highlights its negative social implications. It also underscores the importance of charm or congeniality in our interactions with others, suggesting that these qualities can mitigate potential offensiveness.
In today’s world where social media platforms offer ample opportunities for people to voice opinions on all kinds of issues, this idea is particularly relevant. It’s not uncommon for individuals with strong beliefs about certain topics (e.g., politics, environment) to express them in a manner that comes across as self-righteous. This may alienate those who disagree with them or even those who might have been open-minded about considering their viewpoints.
In terms of personal development, this quote could serve as a reminder about the importance of humility and respect for diverse perspectives even when we hold strong convictions. It suggests that being charming – which involves showing genuine interest in others’ views and feelings – could be more effective than adopting a self-righteous stance if one wants to influence others positively without causing offense.
