"Principally I hate and detest that animal called man; although I heartily love John, Peter, Thomas, and so forth"

This quote by Jonathan Swift is a commentary on the human condition. He reveals his contempt for humanity in general, however acknowledges that there are some people who he loves and respects. He is making a difference in between the cumulative and the individual, and how his feelings towards them differ. He is stating that while he may not like mankind as an entire, he can still appreciate and like certain people. This quote talks to the complexity of human relationships and how we can have a series of feelings towards various individuals. It likewise speaks with the concept that we should not judge individuals as a group, but rather on a specific basis. Swift's quote is a pointer that we ought to not be too quick to judge, which we should take the time to get to know people prior to forming a viewpoint.