"The most insignificant people are the most apt to sneer at others. They are safe from reprisals. And have no hope of rising in their own self esteem but by lowering their neighbors"

This quote by William Hazlitt speaks to the human tendency to put others down in order to make ourselves feel much better. The most irrelevant people, those who have no power or influence, are the most likely to sneer at others. This is since they are safe from any type of reprisal and have no other way to increase their own self-confidence. By putting others down, they can feel better about themselves. This quote functions as a tip to be kind and understanding to those around us, even if they are not in a position of power. We must make every effort to lift each other up, rather than tear each other down.