This quote suggests that when we harbor intense negative feelings towards someone, a significant portion of our perceptions about them may be skewed or distorted by our emotions. In other words, our hate may cause us to perceive or interpret their actions and intentions in a way that confirms our negative feelings, rather than reflecting their true nature or intent. This is known as confirmation bias, a common cognitive bias where we tend to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms our pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses.

The 80% figure used here might not be a precise statistic, but rather a metaphorical way to emphasize how much our intense emotions can cloud our judgment and distort our perceptions. It suggests that only a small fraction of our thoughts about the person we hate might be based on objective facts or reality, while the rest is likely to be a product of our own emotions and biases.

In today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant given the rise of social media and online communication, which can often fuel polarization and intense negative emotions towards others. We often see this in the form of ‘cancel culture’, where people are quick to judge and vilify others based on limited information or understanding.

In terms of personal development, this quote serves as a reminder to be mindful of our emotions and how they can influence our thoughts and perceptions. It encourages us to strive for objectivity and empathy in our interactions with others, especially those we might dislike or disagree with. By recognizing and challenging our own biases, we can foster healthier relationships, make more balanced judgments, and avoid unnecessary conflict.