Famous quote by Charles Horton Cooley

"We are ashamed to seem evasive in the presence of a straightforward man, cowardly in the presence of a brave one, gross in the eyes of a refined one, and so on. We always imagine, and in imagining share, the judgments of the other mind"

About this Quote

Charles Horton Cooley, a prominent American sociologist, provides a profound reflection on the nature of self-awareness and social interaction in this quote. The core of his message is that individuals are acutely knowledgeable about how others view them, and these understandings significantly affect their habits and self-conception. Cooley's observation underscores the principle of the "looking-glass self", where people form their self-image based upon how they think others see them.

In the quote, Cooley attends to the discomfort that emerges when people find themselves disappointing the ideals represented by others. For example, when somebody comes across a person who is straightforward, they might feel ashamed if they view themselves as evasive. Similarly, remaining in the presence of a brave private may highlight one's own cowardice, while engaging with somebody fine-tuned might make an individual more uneasy about their own perceived ignorance.

This vibrant shows the extensive influence of social comparison, a psychological phenomenon where individuals evaluate themselves in relation to others. Cooley recommends that such contrasts are not simply passive; rather, individuals actively picture the judgments of others and, in doing so, internalize these judgments.

Additionally, Cooley's declaration highlights the social nature of human identity. It suggests that self-perception is not created in seclusion however is continuously negotiated and reviewed through interactions with others. This process can result in personal development as people aim to embody the positive traits they admire in others, however it can also result in unfavorable feelings of shame or inadequacy when they disappoint these perfects.

In conclusion, Cooley's quote reflects the complicated interplay in between individual self-perception and social interaction. It underscores the importance of social environments in shaping self-identity, exposing how deeply interconnected our sense of self is with the judgments we view from those around us. This understanding of the "looking-glass self" stays a fundamental idea in sociology and psychology, stressing the considerable effect of social characteristics on individual advancement.

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USA Flag This quote is written / told by Charles Horton Cooley. He/she was a famous Sociologist from USA. The author also have 30 other quotes.
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