The Road To Misanthropy

Misanthropy: Hatred or Disdain for Humankind
Definition:
noun – A generalized hatred, distrust, or contempt of the human species or human nature. A misanthrope (or misanthropist) is someone who holds these views.
Etymology:

Greek: misos (μῖσος, "hatred") + anthropos (ἄνθρωπος, "human")

Characteristics:

Viewing human society as foolish, selfish, or destructive
Preferring solitude over social interaction
Cynicism about human motives and progress

Notable Misanthropes (Literary & Historical):

Timon of Athens (Shakespeare) – Classic misanthrope
Arthur Schopenhauer – Philosopher who called humans "the most rapacious of animals"
Howard Hughes – Real-life example (late-life seclusion)

Distinction:
Misanthropy ≠ antisocial personality disorder. The former is philosophical/cynical; the latter is clinical.