Indifference is the state of a person in which he remains indifferent to others. He is deprived of interest in surrounding people and events, his attitude can be characterized as passive. When there is no more compassion in the heart, it becomes callous. Bright feelings leave the soul, and the individual becomes capable of the most evil deeds. But in some cases, indifference can be useful.
The Need for Indifference: The Opinion of Pythagoras
Many quotes about indifference have survived through the centuries. One of them belongs to Pythagoras. The ancient Greek scientist and philosopher believed that a person should show indifference in relation to any assessments from the outside: both positive and negative. Here is what he says:
Whatever you think of, do what you think is fair. Be equally indifferent to censure and praise.
Pythagoras believed that in this way you can maintain peace of mind. After all, before this he gives parting words: to act as a person himself considers fair. But this is possible only when the person is free from external evaluation and when she does not care how the people around her react to her actions. Thus, indifference can also be a useful quality of personality.
Expressions of Indifference: Women's World
And what quotes about indifference regarding the fair sex? One of them belongs to the French writer Francois Larochefoucault:
Most women, therefore, are so indifferent to friendship that it seems fresh to them in comparison with love.
Beautiful ladies can really be so carried away by the romantic side of life and relationships with the opposite sex that they forget about friendship. No wonder another aphorism suggests that there are no friendships in the female environment. The indifference of women in relation to friendship, as Laroshfuko believes, has a simple reason: such relationships seem to them simply boring. Of course, this cannot be said that this truth applies to absolutely all the fair sex. That is why Laroshfuko at the beginning of his quote about the indifference of the fair sex to friendship makes a reservation: "... for the most part."
Here is what the French historian Jules Michelet says about the role of man’s relationship in the life of beautiful ladies:
A woman is tormented not by the tyranny of a man, but by his indifference.
Indifference on the part of the chosen one is the trouble of many ladies. Even if a man will show a negative attitude, it is still better than complete indifference on his part. Perhaps the women Jules Michelet speaks of should consider looking for another relationship partner? After all, when the indifference so painful for a woman comes in the relationship - this is a sure sign that it is time to end them.
The following famous quote about indifference belongs to the brilliant Coco Chanel:
I don’t give a damn what you think about me, I don’t think about you at all.
The trendsetter had every right to say so - because most likely, she simply did not have a free minute to think about the gossip of ill-wishers. It was she who at one time made a revolution in the fashion industry: she introduced the “little black dress”, a tweed female suit, two-tone shoes, and pearl jewelry.
Indifference and politeness
Here's what Paul Valerie says:
Politeness is a well-organized indifference.
And with this quote about indifference and indifference it is impossible not to disagree. Indeed, often outward politeness can be just a facade, behind which lies genuine indifference. Behind the mask of courteous words and courtesies, in reality, complete mental callousness may be hidden. From this point of view, such ostentatious politeness can hardly be approved.
When indifference is dangerous
Russian writer M. Gorky speaks of indifference as follows:
Do not be indifferent, for indifference is deadly to the soul of man.
Indifference to other people negatively affects the person himself. It makes him more callous, selfish. Ultimately, the indifferent individual suffers. After all, one of the greatest pleasures is to bring joy to other people, to be useful to others.
And the Chinese sage Confucius considered indifference one of the most serious crimes that a person can take on his shoulders:
Of all the crimes, the worst is heartlessness.
His words have much in common with the Christian commandment, which states that a person should love his neighbor just as much as himself. Heartlessness, Confucius believes, is the most serious sin, and it is difficult to disagree with his opinion.
Another quote about indifference and indifference belongs to the Persian poet Saadi:
If you are indifferent to the suffering of others, you do not deserve the name of a person.
This is how the poet expresses himself unequivocally about those people who do not show compassion for others. Such personalities, in his opinion, do not even deserve to wear the proud title of a person.
About modesty and indifference
Here is what Voltaire says in his quote about indifference:
It is great to be humble, but you should not be indifferent.
Modesty is a good virtue. But it should not be combined with an indifferent attitude towards others. Often, excessive shyness and uncertainty hides indifference. This is because an overly modest person can focus on his own shortcomings and on how other people perceive him. And this is precisely what prevents him from noticing the needs and requirements of others. For this reason, often insecure people are considered indifferent, although in reality, of course, they are not callous egoists. All they need is to overcome a little excessive modesty and pay attention to people around them.
Detachment and lack of emotional pain
The following quote about indifference to man is taken from the famous television series Doctor House. It belongs to one of the characters, Dr. Robert Chase :
It hurts less when you just care.
Indifference to the personality to which there once had ardent feelings is the best cure for heartache. But not every person in the soul has indifference, even if the relationship has failed. Perhaps in this case one should simply cultivate this indifference in oneself . This is one of those rare cases when the lack of feelings is not evil, but, on the contrary, helps to reduce the intensity of emotions, to get rid of emotional pain.