Too Great Expectations

You will have to deal with men with whom you are not yet acquainted. Always commence by thinking of them all the evil imaginable: then you will not have to lower your opinion very much. Do not judge them by your heart, which I believe to be noble and good, and which besides is still young. Despise them as politely as you can: this is the way to be on guard against the petty prejudices and petty passions which will bruise your feelings upon your entry into society. - Alexander Pushkin