"Real misanthropes are not found in solitude, but in the world; since it is experience of life, and not philosophy, which produces real hatred of mankind"
About this Quote
This quote by Giacomo Leopardi suggests that real misanthropy is not born out of a life of solitude, but rather out of experience worldwide. He suggests that it is not philosophical idea that results in a hatred of mankind, however rather the experiences one has in life. This could be interpreted to indicate that it is not the abstract concepts of life that lead to a hatred of humanity, but rather the tangible experiences that a person has in life. It might likewise be analyzed to imply that it is not the theoretical understanding of life that leads to a hatred of humanity, however rather the useful application of life that causes such a feeling. In either case, Leopardi is recommending that it is not a life of privacy that leads to a hatred of mankind, however rather the experiences one has in the world.