“Neither blame or praise yourself.”
Plutarch
The quote “Neither blame nor praise yourself” suggests a mindset of balance and equanimity in how one views oneself and one’s actions. It encourages avoiding extreme self-judgment, whether it be overly critical or excessively self-congratulatory.
Here’s what the quote conveys:
- Avoid self-blame: It advises against being too harsh on oneself when things don’t go as planned or when mistakes are made. Often, people tend to be their own harshest critics, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, or unworthiness. The quote reminds us not to overly blame ourselves for shortcomings and failures, but rather to recognize that everyone makes mistakes and faces challenges.
- Refrain from excessive self-praise: On the other hand, the quote also cautions against excessive self-praise or an inflated sense of self-importance. While acknowledging our accomplishments and strengths is essential for self-esteem, constant self-aggrandizement can lead to arrogance and a lack of self-awareness.
The underlying message is to cultivate self-compassion and a realistic view of oneself. It encourages finding a middle ground between being overly self-critical and having an overly inflated ego. Acknowledge your imperfections and learn from mistakes without dwelling on self-blame, and be humble about your achievements without falling into the trap of excessive self-praise.
By adopting a balanced perspective, one can maintain a healthier and more positive sense of self, leading to personal growth and overall well-being. It’s essential to practice self-acceptance and be kind to oneself while also staying open to areas of improvement and continued learning.
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