"Of every ten persons who talk about you, nine will say something bad, and the tenth will say something good in a bad way"

This quote by Antoine Rivarol speaks with the idea that people are often fast to criticize and slow to applaud. It recommends that for every single 10 people who discuss you, nine will have something unfavorable to say, while the tenth will have something favorable to say, but in such a way that is still crucial. This quote implies that it is difficult to find people who are really helpful and motivating. It likewise recommends that people are more likely to focus on the unfavorable aspects of a person or scenario, instead of the positive. This quote functions as a pointer to be conscious of how we discuss others, and to make every effort to be more favorable and motivating in our interactions with others. It also motivates us to be more familiar with our own habits and to be more mindful of how we discuss ourselves and others.