Misanthropy facts for kids

Le Misanthrope, 1719 ed.

Misanthropy is the general distrust or hatred of humanity. A person who feels that way is called a misanthrope. Many misanthropes are labeled as hermits and loners. Misanthropic people prefer to be alone, and do not trust many people outside of their immediate family. Some do not trust anyone.

Molière's character Alceste in Le Misanthrope (1666) states:

My hate is general, I detest all men;
Some because they are wicked and do evil,
Others because they tolerate the wicked,
Refusing them the active vigorous scorn
Which vice should stimulate in virtuous minds.

Images for kids

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  The Misanthrope by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, 1568. The inscription reads, "Because the world is perfidious, I am going into mourning".

See also

In Spanish: Misantropía para niños