Misanthropes are individuals who have a general dislike or distrust of humanity or society. Here are some famous misanthropes, both real and fictional:
Real-life misanthropes:
Arthur Schopenhauer: A German philosopher known for his pessimistic views on human nature and society.
Friedrich Nietzsche: Another German philosopher who often expressed criticism of human society and its values.
H.P. Lovecraft: An American writer known for his horror fiction and his distrust of humanity's capacity for understanding the cosmos.
Greta Garbo: The iconic actress was famous for her reclusive nature and reluctance to engage with the public.
Howard Hughes: The eccentric billionaire and aviator who developed an increasing distrust of society as he withdrew from public life.
Fictional misanthropes:
Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol): The main character in Charles Dickens' novella, who starts as a bitter and cold-hearted miser before undergoing a transformation.
Greg House (House, M.D.): The lead character in the TV show House, he is a brilliant but cynical and misanthropic doctor.
Holden Caulfield (The Catcher in the Rye): The protagonist in J.D. Salinger's novel, who expresses disillusionment and contempt for the society he sees as "phony."
Dr. Gregory House (House, M.D.): The lead character in the TV show House, he is a brilliant but cynical and misanthropic doctor.
Severus Snape (Harry Potter series): A complex character in J.K. Rowling's books, he is known for his bitterness and animosity towards others, especially Harry Potter.
Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm): While a fictionalized version of himself, the character Larry David in the TV series often exhibits misanthropic tendencies and social awkwardness.
It's important to note that the term "misanthrope" is not always used in a negative sense; some individuals may be reclusive or withdrawn without necessarily harboring ill will toward others. Additionally, fictional characters often serve as reflections of various aspects of human nature and can be complex, multifaceted portrayals rather than straightforward misanthropes.