Moliere: 'Esteem must be founded on preference: to hold everyone in high esteem is to esteem nothing.'

Esteem must be founded on preference: to hold everyone in high esteem is to esteem nothing.

In this blog article, we delve into the thought-provoking quote by Moliere: "Esteem must be founded on preference: to hold everyone in high esteem is to esteem nothing." This statement highlights the importance of discernment in our evaluation of others, emphasizing that true esteem is rooted in personal preferences and choices. Let's explore the meaning and significance of this quote in a straightforward manner before introducing an unexpected philosophical concept that will add a unique perspective to our analysis.At a glance, Moliere's words encourage us to evaluate individuals based on our personal preferences and not merely provide unwavering respect to everyone. This quote challenges us to avoid a surface-level approach to respect and instead encourages deeper contemplation in forming our opinions of others. By suggesting that holding everyone in high esteem ultimately diminishes the value of esteem itself, Moliere prompts us to consider the concept of preference as an integral component of true regard and appreciation.Preference, as Moliere suggests, plays a vital role in shaping our esteem for others. By acknowledging our natural inclination to gravitate towards certain individuals or traits, Moliere emphasizes that esteem must emerge from a deliberate evaluation process rather than a blanket acceptance of everyone. This thoughtful consideration nurtures a discerning attitude, leading to a more genuine and meaningful appreciation of others.Now, let's delve into an unexpected philosophical concept to shed light on Moliere's quote. In doing so, we introduce the idea of existentialism, a school of thought initiated by philosophers like Sartre and Kierkegaard. Existentialism centers around the belief that individuals define their own meaning and purpose in life, emphasizing personal agency and responsibility.In the context of Moliere's quote, existentialism encourages us to examine our values, preferences, and choices that contribute to our estimation of others. Existence precedes essence, as existentialists argue, meaning that our essence or identity is not predetermined but continuously crafted through our choices. By acknowledging the significance of preference in forming our esteem, we align with the existentialist notion of individual responsibility in evaluating and appreciating others.While Moliere's quote touches upon the importance of preference in esteem, existentialism elaborates on the philosophical underpinnings of personal agency involved in choosing these preferences. It prompts us to contemplate the reasons behind our preferences, examining the values, beliefs, and experiences that shape our individual inclinations.Interestingly, this juxtaposition of Moliere's quote and existentialism highlights a subtle tension between personal autonomy and societal expectations. While it is crucial to recognize our freedom to develop preferences, we must also question the underlying factors that influence these choices. Are our preferences driven by societal norms or personal convictions? Engaging in such introspection deepens our understanding of the quote's significance.In conclusion, Moliere's quote serves as a reminder that genuine and meaningful esteem cannot be indiscriminate. By advocating for the foundational role of preference in our evaluation of others, Moliere invites us to engage in careful consideration of our choices and to avoid a superficial approach to respect. When we connect this idea with the concept of existentialism, we gain a broader understanding, emphasizing the importance of personal agency, responsibility, and introspection. By delving into these philosophical concepts, we explore the intricacies of esteem, preference, and our individual role in shaping them.