Humanitarian misanthrope

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A humanitarian misanthrope is a paradoxical title describing one that dislikes or has a pessimistic attitude towards mankind, but forever strives for its improvement. This might be explained as an individual who views the current state of the human race with a cynical or pessimistic eye, but who still sees intrinsic value in human life or whom sees hope for improvement in the human condition; that is, that though the condition of humanity is not at its ideal condition at present, that there is still a chance for positive change. The Chinese philosopher Confucius could be described as a humanitarian misanthrope. While Confucius criticized the failures of his culture, he worked to improve both Chinese government and society.