Why Familiarity Breeds Contempt: The Psychology Behind the Idiom

Introduction

Familiarity Breeds Contempt is a well-known idiom that warns us against taking people or things for granted. While it may seem like a simple saying, there’s actually a lot of psychology behind it. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the meaning and origins of the phrase, and explore the cognitive processes that make it so true.

What does the phrase mean?

The idiom Familiarity Breeds Contempt implies that the more you get to know someone or something, the more likely you are to lose respect or admiration for them. This can happen in relationships, in the workplace, or even with a favorite hobby.

Origins of the phrase

The phrase can be traced back to the Latin saying “familiarity breeds contempt” or “familiarity breeds scorn”. It was first used in English literature in the 14th century, and has been used in numerous works since then. The phrase is often attributed to Aesop’s fables, in which a cat who is not afraid of a mouse ends up playing with it until it is killed.

Why does familiarity breed contempt?

There are a few reasons why this idiom has stood the test of time. One is the phenomenon known as habituation. This is where we become used to something and it loses its novelty or excitement. This means that even if we still appreciate it, we may not feel the same level of admiration or respect.

Another reason is the concept of cognitive dissonance. When we like someone or something, we tend to look for evidence to confirm our positive feelings. However, when we start to notice flaws or negative traits, it creates a sense of dissonance in our minds. This can lead us to try and rationalize our changing feelings by finding faults or flaws.

Examples and case studies

There are countless examples of how familiarity breeds contempt, from relationships to politics to the workplace. In relationships, partners may start out loving everything about each other, but over time they may grow critical of little quirks or habits. In politics, a politician who starts out as a fresh face with fresh ideas may eventually be seen as part of the establishment once they’ve been in office for a while.

One interesting case study comes from the world of wine. In a blind taste test, professional wine experts were asked to rate wines from different regions. They tended to give higher marks to the wines they were less familiar with and lower marks to the ones they knew well. This suggests that being too familiar with something can actually lead to a bias in how we perceive it.

Conclusion

Familiarity Breeds Contempt is a powerful reminder that we should never take people or things for granted. While it’s normal to grow more comfortable and relaxed with them over time, it’s important to also be aware of our changing feelings and try to counteract any negative biases. By recognizing the psychological processes behind the idiom, we can work to keep our relationships, work, and hobbies fresh and exciting for as long as possible.

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