A misanthrope is a person who generally dislikes or distrusts humanity. This attitude can stem from various reasons, such as negative experiences with people or a belief that human behavior is often selfish or harmful. Misanthropes may prefer solitude or the company of animals over that of other humans. The term "misanthrope" is derived from the Greek words "misos," meaning hatred, and "anthropos," meaning human. Famous literary figures, such as Molière's character Alceste in "The Misanthrope," illustrate this perspective, often highlighting the conflict between individual ideals and societal norms.