We explain what misanthropy is and the origin of the term. In addition, what it consists of and its possible repercussions for humanity.
What is misanthropy?
The word misanthropy comes from the Greek wordsmiso ("Hate") andanthropos ("Humanity"), so that by using it we refer to a attitude general, social and psychological, of antipathy or aversion towards Humans. It is the exact opposite ofphilanthropy.
Misanthropy does not consist in hatred towards a specific individual, not even a group of them; but towards the humanity all or at least towards certain common features of his existence.
It can be strong or light, and present very different characteristics and arguments, ranging from harmless and even critical postures, to indifference to suffering or suffering. entrepreneurship of human destruction by one's own hand, in the most serious cases.
This perspective towards the human has a representation in the arts (especially the literature) and in the philosophyIn the words of various authors, such as Federico Nietzsche, Arturo Schopenhauer, Samuel Beckett or the Colombian writer Fernando Vallejo.
However, these discursive misanthropes often play a critical, if not satirical, role rather than a really violent one. Cases, on the other hand, of mass murderers like the American Carl Panzram, are its fiercest expression.
Those who show any degree of antipathy towards humanity are thus misanthropes. Unsympathetic attitudes towards the suffering of others, especially strangers, are expected from them, as well as profound criticisms of human existence.
However, misanthropy should not be confused with pessimism, nor with hypercritical or perfectionist positions. It is a personal position that values numerous other elements above the life and considers the latter either an error, or an unfortunate and senseless event that should be eradicated or at least kept under control.