misanthropy

Misanthropy is the general dislike, distrust, or contempt for humanity as a whole. Etymologically, it derives from the Greek misein (to hate) and anthrōpos (human being). In usage, it can refer to a broad attitude toward society or to a more personal disposition characterized by cynicism or aversion to social life.

The term distinguishes between misanthropy as a sentiment or philosophy and the person who holds it. A misanthrope is someone who embodies or expresses the attitude, whereas misanthropy describes the stance itself—ranging from a mild, critical weariness of human folly to a more pervasive, hostile worldview. Misanthropy is often linked with skepticism about human motives, moral hypocrisy, or distrust of social institutions.

Historically and culturally, misanthropy has appeared in philosophy, literature, and art. In ancient Greece, the Cynics, including Diogenes, were associated with a critique of conventional society that could be read as misanthropic. In literature, Molière’s The Misanthrope (1666) uses the term to illuminate social pretensions and hypocrisy. In modern times, misanthropy is frequently invoked to describe characters or voices that reject social norms, or to express existential disillusionment with humanity’s direction.

Psychological and social considerations note that misanthropy can lead to social withdrawal or conflict, but it is not a formal clinical diagnosis. In psychology and psychiatry, it is treated as a descriptive attitude rather than a recognized disorder, though persistent, extreme hostility toward others may intersect with related personality or mood frameworks. Overall, misanthropy denotes a controversial, often provocative stance rather than a uniform or universally defined condition.