The modern world (the situation in it) causes diametrically opposite assessments and attitudes in the people living in it. More and more often, negative tendencies reflected in the concept of “misanthropy” come to the fore. From the Greek language this word can be translated as "hatred of people." In fact, all the basic meaning of the word "misanthrope" fits in this translation. For the first time this concept was used by Moliere in the 17th century, and now, in the era of rapidly developing technologies, misanthropy is again gaining popularity. Why?
The cold world of consumption
This anti-human attitude of people towards other people is caused by the complete disregard for the world of emotions. A person is deprived of the right to feel and rejoice, to reveal their emotions, to share them. This is considered a weakness. As a result, misanthrope appears. The meaning of the word "kindness" loses any value for him. As the world is to man, so is man to the world. The 21st century is the era of total loneliness, where the sarcasm of misanthrope acts as a protective reaction in response to the indifference of the world.
Characteristics of the Misanthrope Man
It turns out that this is a real social phenomenon, a trend, therefore the meaning of the word "misanthrope" includes several characteristic features. Firstly, misanthropes cannot stand a large number of people gathered together, they feel uncomfortable in the crowd, they feel anger. Secondly, misanthropes tend to seek loneliness, it does not bother them, but rather attracts them. Alone, they feel safe. And thirdly, misanthropes categorically contrast themselves to the crowd. They consider themselves an exceptional person, while other people - a herd, a crowd.
Fashion trend
Today you can see that the meaning of the word "misanthrope" takes on the features of a certain fashion trend. Some people get to the point that they even begin to be proud of their sarcastic attitude towards others, they strive in every way to show their pseudo independence from the opinions of others. In social networks, it has become fashionable to write statuses that no one understands a person, about the charm of loneliness. Sometimes the desire to give a damn about the norms of society as a fashion tribute develops into sociopathy (a person can no longer function adequately in society). This state of affairs is being fostered by mass media.
Alternatives
Like everything in this world, misanthropy has an antipode - philanthropy. Philanthropists are philanthropists, they really care about the welfare of other people and are directly involved in society. However, here you can not do without a fly in the ointment. A man in his desire at any cost to improve the lives of all people can go to extremes and lose all his philanthropy. Philanthropist and misanthrope are two trends in the life of modern society, which, in fact, reveal some of the problems of modern times. To a certain extent, the meaning of the word "misanthrope" does not carry negative points, simply reflecting the needs of a person at this stage of development of society. On the other hand, philanthropists may not be as positive as they might seem. In fact, it all depends on the degree of manifestation of certain traits. In everything you need to know the measure.