Who is a misanthrope? This word can be heard periodically, both in colloquial speech and on television. But not everyone knows what its true meaning is.
In this article, we will tell you who misanthropes are and when it is permissible to use this term in relation to other people.
What is misanthropy
Misanthropy is alienation from people, hatred for them and unsociability. Some scientists consider it as a pathological psychophysiological personality trait. Translated from the ancient Greek language, this concept literally means "misanthropy".
Thus, a misanthrope is a person who avoids human society, suffers, or, conversely, enjoys hatred of people. An interesting fact is that this term gained great popularity after the release of Moliere's comedy "The Misanthrope".
Since misanthropes avoid communication with anyone, they do their best to lead a solitary life. Generally accepted rules and norms are alien to them.
However, if a person is a misanthrope, this does not mean that he is an absolute loner. Usually he has a narrow circle of friends whom he trusts and with whom he is ready to share his problems.
It is worth noting that misanthropy can only be observed for a certain period of time. For example, in adolescence, quite a few adolescents begin to isolate or become depressed. However, later, they return to their former way of life.
The causes of misanthropy
A person can become a misanthrope because of childhood trauma, domestic violence, or peer alienation. As a result, the individual comes to the wrong conclusion that no one loves or understands him.
Further, he begins to increasingly isolate himself from society and develop distrust towards all people. Misanthropy often manifests itself in the form of a persistent desire to harm the people around them, to take revenge on them and throw out all their anger at them.
Also, a misanthrope can be a person with high mental abilities. The realization that there are only "fools" around him can turn into misanthropy.
In certain cases, misanthropy can be selective: only in relation to men (misandry), women (misogyny) or children (misopedia).
