user10950: Is it possible to be Buddhist and a misanthropist?  I've realised I actually despise humanity and sometimes I fantasise about the sun exploding  and wiping us all out. I believe that the majority of humans are undeserving of this life. So much stupidity and ignorance that I just cannot bear people most of the time. The other night my neighbours just decided to have a loud party on their balcony at 2:45 am. What kind of self centred stupid people would do that? The people in my apartment block are so lazy and dumb that they just dump their garbage in the recycling bins.  It's things like this that I see on a daily basis that lead me to despise people. I've tried and tried metta practice but I just don't feel like people deserve kindness. They're idiots, selfish iPhone addicted idiots. Especially people like Trump. He deserves nothing but suffering in my view.
Thanks for the answers but still not sure what I'm supposed to do. I just don't like most people and I can't tolerate them. I don't have friends because of this and I don't see my family because I can't stand them either. People are just insufferable. I can sit there till I'm blue in the face repeating rote metta phrases but it makes not a shred of difference. I don't feel any empathy or sympathy for a species of creatures who behave the way humans do. The Earth would be a much better place without us. Leave the animals to live in harmony instead of raping and pillaging the place for money. I'm sick of it. I don't feel any love for anyone. The USA has a narcissistic bigoted moron as its leader. What does that say about the people? It's says that half the USA are delusional idiots.

user-1: Your question first describes the things you are adverse to, the way people act.  Then it is followed by the way you craving it “should” be.  The result of all of this is driving you crazy with suffering.  
If you want to use Buddhist practice to get out of your present predicament you will have to go back to the basics.  The universe has presented you with a preponderance of instructors in the form of things you are adverse to and also things you are clinging to or craving.  
In the Buddhist teachings of the Four Noble Truths, we first learn about things that will cause you to suffer.  These are feelings of craving and also aversion, in this impermanent world in which we find ourselves.  We want things to go our way, line up with our beliefs, in a permanent way, and to stop being the way they are in reality.  We will go on suffering until we understand what reality or the Dharma is.  
We cling to our opinions and beliefs, refusing to let go.   It is “clinging and aversion” which are the same thing, that cause you to suffer.  We are trying to alter the Dharma or reality in a way that can’t be done.  This is the first great teaching of the Buddha. 
The people dumping trash into the recycling bin are teaching you reality.  Also, the idiotic person acting the fool. is also teaching you about the Dharma.  Look to yourself to see how you are clinging to the belief that they shouldn’t be doing that.  That “belief” is causing you to suffer.  Every time you find yourself suffering, look inside and find the belief that is causing it.  See how you are swimming upstream into the logs that are flowing down.  The natural state of a human is peace. It is attained by surrendering to the Dharma or the way things are.
When it finally comes your day to die, you will take you suffering with you.  And to the degree that you have disentangled yourself from clinging to your beliefs, knowing that is the Dharma, you will  take that peace and happiness with you in the same way.
This isn’t to say that you don’t act out your beliefs.  You might instruct those about your beliefs, but you don’t put any weight on whether it is accepted or rejected.  Remember that those people are YOUR teachers, not the other way around.  Be grateful that they are giving you insight into the way that you are fighting with reality.  Remember, it is meaningless if it is done you way or not.  
If it makes so much difference, you might surrender and sort through the trash from the recycling yourself to set an example.  This would also be a way for you to understand your ego more fully, and the way it gets in the way of seeing things as they are.  It’s up to you.
Also, remember this is your life time to throw off all the things that are preventing you from seeing the Dharma.  It doesn’t involve anyone else.  It’s your job to take the cues from the universe that will speed you along, including this letter.  This is your personal struggle.  It will become more clear with daily breath meditation.   You’re in the right place.  Go back and review the Four Noble Truths.

user-1: I one would try to kill all his enemies, even having the best weapons, he would probably not finish his undertaking before dying himself. But if one whould kill ones own anger, the world whould suddenly be void of them.
So what of both seems to be easier and more realistic be achived?
Maybe worthy to consider so to become not just ugly and what whould matter to one at least, run it's or one own ways.
[Note: This is a gift of Dhamma, not meant for commercial purpose or other low wordily gains by means of trade and exchange]

user16635: By the numbers...

Have compassion for the people you see around you. They do not understand the nature of the world, and act out of ignorance. There's no need to like their ignorance, but we can acknowledge that ignorance is ignorance: a flaw of understanding, not a flaw of character.
If you cannot have compassion for others, have compassion for yourself. The lack of compassion for others merely means that you have not yet fully understood the nature of the world, and are acting out of ignorance. There's no need to like your own ignorance, but acknowledge that ignorance is ignorance: a flaw of understanding, not a flaw of character.
If you cannot have compassion for yourself... Well, that is what creates a misanthrope. It has nothing to do with others, except as they are reflected in the distorted mirror of your perception. It is (again) another form of ignorance: a flaw of understanding, not a flaw of character.

Noisy neighbors, people who don't recycle, iPhoniacs, even the dreadful and dreaded Trump monster... All these people are celebrating life while mired in ignorance (sometimes mired in a great, fetid cesspools of ignorance, granted, but still...). To find compassion, first acknowledge that celebration; then the mire will seem more pitiful than odious.

user254: Is it possible to be Buddhist and a misanthropist?
Yes. It's even expected, that Buddhists will (at least sometimes) be conceited.
There's quite a tradition too, of solitary ascetics, who live away from normal society.
Especially people like Trump. He deserves nothing but suffering in my view.
Well maybe you're viewing more of him, getting more views of him, than is good for you.
There are other things, other people to think about.
Maybe the attitude to aspire to isn't metta but upekkha ... or sense-restraint, i.e. avoid contact with sense-input that reminds you of that view of Trump; or treat him as a model of what not to do, and resolve to do better than you think he has done.
I just don't like most people and I can't tolerate them. I dont have friends because of this and I don't see my family because I can't stand them either. People are just insufferable.
Well, if that's a problem then I hope you find a solution.
Buddhism talks about spiritual friends. And, about good and bad social friends.
I don't remember a scripture that talks about how to find or make good friends socially; so here's from experience, for what that's worth:
if there's any activity you like, maybe do that socially. Join a club, or join a class. They'll be doing something (an activity) you approve of. You don't have to (though you might) socialize with them outside the scope/time of that activity. There may be some variety of people participating (young adults, retirees), so you'll meet people who you wouldn't normally.
If you meet anyone you like, they may have a social life -- friends of theirs, who you might meet through them. Perhaps your music teacher has a group of people who help refugees, or etc.
Leave the animals to live in harmony instead of raping and pillaging the place for money. I'm sick of it.
There's some conflict between animals too; even within one species, competition for territory.

user11882: One of the primary purposes of Buddhism is to avoid misanthropic thoughts. While you can call yourself Buddhist and not follow some or many of its teachings, you should remember that you have thoughts and feelings that is in conflict with your belief system. It's akin to saying I am a Christian but I want to kill innocent people. While you're still technically considered a Christian, you are advocating for something that directly opposes one of the ten commandments of Christianity. But if you're talking about trying to be a true Buddhist, then misanthropy is a big no.  I hope I answered your question.

user8157: The Buddha also thought most people are idiots, as follows:

The thought occurred to me: 'When brahmans or contemplatives who are drooling idiots resort to... their drooling idiocy. But it's not the
  case that I am a drooling idiot...'
MN 4

However, this does not mean he dwelt in hatred, aversion & cruelty (lack of compassion). Instead, he used this reality of ignorance for enlightenment.

58. Upon a heap of rubbish in the road-side ditch blooms a lotus, fragrant and pleasing.
59. Even so, on the rubbish heap of blinded mortals the disciple of the Supremely Enlightened One shines resplendent in wisdom.
Dhammapada

Buddhism explains the entire social world (loka) is a product of 'ignorance' (via dependent origination). There is nothing controversial about this reality. It is generally those who believe in a Creator God (that created man in his image) who expect more from the natural idiocy & ignorance of the world.

user111: It's possible to be a Buddhist who is striving not to be overcome by misanthropic thoughts. Misanthropy is a product of aversion. Thinking to destroy human kind or wishing harm to even one person is simply hate.
If Metta meditation fails, try to see the world in terms of momentary experiences, not in terms of entities or individuals. 

user-1: 
The picture above is the final plate in the series of Zen ox herding pictures.  The entire series is a visual depiction of the Buddhist path.  It charts the progress from a neophyte just trying to calm his his mind all the way to the highest, Bodhisattva ideal.  It is of paramount importance and distinctly Buddhist that the series does not end with deep meditative absorption, mystical experiences of oneness, or even the bliss of nirvana.  The highest purpose of undertaking Buddhist training is to eventually return to the marketplace - the world of red dust - with bliss bestowing hands.  Everyone is deserving of the Bodhisattva's compassion and wisdom. - the people blasting music at 3AM, those who can't bother recycling, Donald Trump...everybody.  
I have a hard time believing that you weren't already aware of this.  What you may not have experienced before is just how hard Buddhist practice can be.  We all eventually reach a point in our practice when the full scope of the dharma becomes evident.  In that moment, the sheer immensity of it leaves us paralyzed.  Fulfulling what we started seems nothing short of impossible.  And maybe it is. Let me assure you, however, that it does get easier.  While you may never reach a point where your compassion is perfect, bit by bit, it will become much easier to manage and understand the ignorant behaviors of others.  But you have try.              

user11762: Buddhists meet all the same problems as other beings. If not these problems, there would be no need in Buddhism.
So the question is: what do you have to do to solve them?
If our view on the world leans to aversion, it means our thoughts were focused mainly on unpleasant things.
To explain that Buddha used to speak about six realms of samsara:

Gods
Asuras (titans)
Humans
Animals
Hungry ghosts
Hell beings

Paying attention to faults, we gradually find so much hateful things around that they make our world to be hell.
That's because our mental processes involve "selective amplification", exaggeration of some details.
Likewise, if we develop greed and insatiable wish to have some things, our world becomes the world of hungry spirits, and so on.
The same river is seen

by gods as healing nectar of pleasure,
by humans as water,
by hungry ghosts as pus and blood,
by hell beings as torturing flames.

So in order to heal our world ultimately, we have to drop amplifications and discover the world in its original form. There's always something to cry about, and there's always something to laugh about.
If you imagine how many possible thoughts and attitudes are there, imagine yourself as one with all that space,
then you might find that all the possible mass of thoughts and attitudes have silenced, and your attention is free for this here-and-now.
Be free right here, not captured by attachments to particular ideas and views.
Also to balance our perception we can pay more attention to positive qualities of people.

Pay attention when they do kind, virtuous things,
dedicate merit
and rejoice.

The practice of joy for good qualities of others is one of the most powerful spiritual practices, especially helpful in your case. We can practice it even in dreams!

10950: <p>Is it possible to be Buddhist and a misanthropist?  I've realised I actually despise humanity and sometimes I fantasise about the sun exploding  and wiping us all out. I believe that the majority of humans are undeserving of this life. So much stupidity and ignorance that I just cannot bear people most of the time. The other night my neighbours just decided to have a loud party on their balcony at 2:45 am. What kind of self centred stupid people would do that? The people in my apartment block are so lazy and dumb that they just dump their garbage in the recycling bins.  It's things like this that I see on a daily basis that lead me to despise people. I've tried and tried metta practice but I just don't feel like people deserve kindness. They're idiots, selfish iPhone addicted idiots. Especially people like Trump. He deserves nothing but suffering in my view.</p>
<p>Thanks for the answers but still not sure what I'm supposed to do. I just don't like most people and I can't tolerate them. I don't have friends because of this and I don't see my family because I can't stand them either. People are just insufferable. I can sit there till I'm blue in the face repeating rote metta phrases but it makes not a shred of difference. I don't feel any empathy or sympathy for a species of creatures who behave the way humans do. The Earth would be a much better place without us. Leave the animals to live in harmony instead of raping and pillaging the place for money. I'm sick of it. I don't feel any love for anyone. The USA has a narcissistic bigoted moron as its leader. What does that say about the people? It's says that half the USA are delusional idiots.</p>
 -1: <p>Your question first describes the things you are adverse to, the way people act.  Then it is followed by the way you craving it “should” be.  The result of all of this is driving you crazy with suffering.  </p>

<p>If you want to use Buddhist practice to get out of your present predicament you will have to go back to the basics.  The universe has presented you with a preponderance of instructors in the form of things you are adverse to and also things you are clinging to or craving.  </p>

<p>In the Buddhist teachings of the Four Noble Truths, we first learn about things that will cause you to suffer.  These are feelings of craving and also aversion, in this impermanent world in which we find ourselves.  We want things to go our way, line up with our beliefs, in a permanent way, and to stop being the way they are in reality.  We will go on suffering until we understand what reality or the Dharma is.  </p>

<p>We cling to our opinions and beliefs, refusing to let go.   It is “clinging and aversion” which are the same thing, that cause you to suffer.  We are trying to alter the Dharma or reality in a way that can’t be done.  This is the first great teaching of the Buddha. </p>

<p>The people dumping trash into the recycling bin are teaching you reality.  Also, the idiotic person acting the fool. is also teaching you about the Dharma.  Look to yourself to see how you are clinging to the belief that they shouldn’t be doing that.  That “belief” is causing you to suffer.  Every time you find yourself suffering, look inside and find the belief that is causing it.  See how you are swimming upstream into the logs that are flowing down.  The natural state of a human is peace. It is attained by surrendering to the Dharma or the way things are.</p>

<p>When it finally comes your day to die, you will take you suffering with you.  And to the degree that you have disentangled yourself from clinging to your beliefs, knowing that is the Dharma, you will  take that peace and happiness with you in the same way.</p>

<p>This isn’t to say that you don’t act out your beliefs.  You might instruct those about your beliefs, but you don’t put any weight on whether it is accepted or rejected.  Remember that those people are YOUR teachers, not the other way around.  Be grateful that they are giving you insight into the way that you are fighting with reality.  Remember, it is meaningless if it is done you way or not.  </p>

<p>If it makes so much difference, you might surrender and sort through the trash from the recycling yourself to set an example.  This would also be a way for you to understand your ego more fully, and the way it gets in the way of seeing things as they are.  It’s up to you.</p>

<p>Also, remember this is your life time to throw off all the things that are preventing you from seeing the Dharma.  It doesn’t involve anyone else.  It’s your job to take the cues from the universe that will speed you along, including this letter.  This is your personal struggle.  It will become more clear with daily breath meditation.   You’re in the right place.  Go back and review the Four Noble Truths.</p>
 -1: <p>I one would try to kill all his enemies, even having the best weapons, he would probably not finish his undertaking before dying himself. But if one whould <a href="http://www.zugangzureinsicht.org/html/tipitaka/sn/sn01/sn01.071.than_en.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">kill ones own anger</a>, the world whould suddenly be void of them.</p>

<p>So what of both seems to be easier and more realistic be achived?</p>

<p>Maybe worthy to consider so to become not <a href="http://www.zugangzureinsicht.org/html/tipitaka/an/an07/an07.060.than_en.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">just ugly</a> and what whould matter to one at least, run it's or one own ways.</p>

<p><em>[Note: This is a gift of Dhamma, not meant for commercial purpose or other low wordily gains by means of trade and exchange]</em></p>
 16635: <p>By the numbers...</p>
<ol>
<li>Have compassion for the people you see around you. They do not understand the nature of the world, and act out of ignorance. There's no need to <em>like</em> their ignorance, but we can acknowledge that ignorance is ignorance: a flaw of understanding, not a flaw of character.</li>
<li>If you <em>cannot</em> have compassion for others, have compassion for yourself. The lack of compassion for others merely means that <em>you</em> have not yet fully understood the nature of the world, and are acting out of ignorance. There's no need to <em>like</em> your own ignorance, but acknowledge that ignorance is ignorance: a flaw of understanding, not a flaw of character.</li>
<li>If you cannot have compassion for yourself... Well, that is what creates a misanthrope. It has nothing to do with others, except as they are reflected in the distorted mirror of your perception. It is (again) another form of ignorance: a flaw of understanding, not a flaw of character.</li>
</ol>
<p>Noisy neighbors, people who don't recycle, iPhoniacs, even the dreadful and dreaded Trump monster... All these people are celebrating life while mired in ignorance (sometimes mired in a great, fetid cesspools of ignorance, granted, but still...). To find compassion, first acknowledge that celebration; then the mire will seem more pitiful than odious.</p>
 254: <p><strong>Is it possible to be Buddhist and a misanthropist?</strong></p>

<p>Yes. It's even <em>expected</em>, that Buddhists will (at least sometimes) be <a href="https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/q/9415/254">conceited</a>.</p>

<p>There's quite a tradition too, of solitary ascetics, who live away from normal society.</p>

<p><strong>Especially people like Trump. He deserves nothing but suffering in my view.</strong></p>

<p>Well maybe you're viewing more of him, getting more views of him, than is good for you.
There are other things, other people to think about.
Maybe the attitude to aspire to isn't metta but upekkha ... or sense-restraint, i.e. avoid contact with sense-input that reminds you of that view of Trump; or treat him as a model of what not to do, and resolve to do better than you think he has done.</p>

<p><strong>I just don't like most people and I can't tolerate them. I dont have friends because of this and I don't see my family because I can't stand them either. People are just insufferable.</strong></p>

<p>Well, if that's a problem then I hope you find a solution.</p>

<p>Buddhism talks about <a href="http://bodhimonastery.org/spiritual-friendship.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">spiritual friends</a>. And, about good and bad social friends.</p>

<p>I don't remember a scripture that talks about how to find or make good friends socially; so here's from experience, for what that's worth:
if there's any activity you like, maybe do that socially. Join a club, or join a class. They'll be doing something (an activity) you approve of. You don't have to (though you might) socialize with them outside the scope/time of that activity. There may be some variety of people participating (young adults, retirees), so you'll meet people who you wouldn't normally.
If you meet anyone you like, they may have a social life -- friends of theirs, who you might meet through them. Perhaps your music teacher has a group of people who help refugees, or etc.</p>

<p><strong>Leave the animals to live in harmony instead of raping and pillaging the place for money. I'm sick of it.</strong></p>

<p>There's some conflict between animals too; even within one species, competition for territory.</p>
 11882: <p>One of the primary purposes of Buddhism is to avoid misanthropic thoughts. While you can call yourself Buddhist and not follow some or many of its teachings, you should remember that you have thoughts and feelings that is in conflict with your belief system. It's akin to saying I am a Christian but I want to kill innocent people. While you're still technically considered a Christian, you are advocating for something that directly opposes one of the ten commandments of Christianity. But if you're talking about trying to be a true Buddhist, then misanthropy is a big no.  I hope I answered your question.</p>
 8157: <p>The Buddha also thought most people are idiots, as follows:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p><em>The thought occurred to me: 'When brahmans or contemplatives who are drooling idiots resort to... their drooling idiocy. But it's not the
  case that I am a drooling idiot...'</em></p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.004.than.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><em>MN 4</em></a></p>
</blockquote>

<p>However, this does not mean he dwelt in hatred, aversion &amp; cruelty (lack of compassion). Instead, he used this reality of ignorance for enlightenment.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p><em>58. Upon a heap of rubbish in the road-side ditch blooms a lotus, fragrant and pleasing.</em></p>
  
  <p><em>59. Even so, on the rubbish heap of blinded mortals the disciple of the Supremely Enlightened One shines resplendent in wisdom.</em></p>
  
  <p><em>Dhammapada</em></p>
</blockquote>

<p>Buddhism explains the entire social world (<em>loka</em>) is a product of 'ignorance' (via dependent origination). There is nothing controversial about this reality. It is generally those who believe in a Creator God (that created man in his image) who expect more from the natural idiocy &amp; ignorance of the world.</p>
 111: <p>It's possible to be a Buddhist who is striving not to be overcome by misanthropic thoughts. Misanthropy is a product of aversion. Thinking to destroy human kind or wishing harm to even one person is simply hate.</p>

<p>If Metta meditation fails, try to see the world in terms of momentary experiences, not in terms of entities or individuals. </p>
 -1: <p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/OG4Xr.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/OG4Xr.jpg" alt="Final plate of Zen ox herding plate series"></a></p>

<p>The picture above is the final plate in the series of Zen ox herding pictures.  The entire series is a visual depiction of the Buddhist path.  It charts the progress from a neophyte just trying to calm his his mind all the way to the highest, Bodhisattva ideal.  It is of paramount importance and distinctly Buddhist that the series does not end with deep meditative absorption, mystical experiences of oneness, or even the bliss of nirvana.  The highest purpose of undertaking Buddhist training is to eventually return to the marketplace - the world of red dust - with bliss bestowing hands.  Everyone is deserving of the Bodhisattva's compassion and wisdom. - the people blasting music at 3AM, those who can't bother recycling, Donald Trump...everybody.  </p>

<p>I have a hard time believing that you weren't already aware of this.  What you may not have experienced before is just how hard Buddhist practice can be.  We all eventually reach a point in our practice when the full scope of the dharma becomes evident.  In that moment, the sheer immensity of it leaves us paralyzed.  Fulfulling what we started seems nothing short of impossible.  And maybe it is. Let me assure you, however, that it does get easier.  While you may never reach a point where your compassion is perfect, bit by bit, it will become much easier to manage and understand the ignorant behaviors of others.  But you have try.              </p>
 11762: <p>Buddhists meet all the same problems as other beings. If not these problems, there would be no need in Buddhism.</p>

<p>So the question is: what do you have to do to solve them?</p>

<p>If our view on the world leans to aversion, it means our thoughts were focused mainly on unpleasant things.</p>

<p>To explain that Buddha used to speak about six realms of samsara:</p>

<ol>
<li>Gods</li>
<li>Asuras (titans)</li>
<li>Humans</li>
<li>Animals</li>
<li>Hungry ghosts</li>
<li>Hell beings</li>
</ol>

<p>Paying attention to faults, we gradually find so much hateful things around that they make our world to be hell.</p>

<p>That's because our mental processes involve "selective amplification", exaggeration of some details.</p>

<p>Likewise, if we develop greed and insatiable wish to have some things, our world becomes the world of hungry spirits, and so on.</p>

<p>The same river is seen</p>

<ol>
<li>by gods as healing nectar of pleasure,</li>
<li>by humans as water,</li>
<li>by hungry ghosts as pus and blood,</li>
<li>by hell beings as torturing flames.</li>
</ol>

<p>So in order to heal our world ultimately, we have to drop amplifications and discover the world in its original form. There's always something to cry about, and there's always something to laugh about.</p>

<p>If you imagine how many possible thoughts and attitudes are there, imagine yourself as one with all that space,</p>

<p>then you might find that all the possible mass of thoughts and attitudes have silenced, and your attention is free for this here-and-now.</p>

<p>Be free right here, not captured by attachments to particular ideas and views.</p>

<p>Also to balance our perception we can pay more attention to positive qualities of people.</p>

<ul>
<li>Pay attention when they do kind, virtuous things,</li>
<li>dedicate merit</li>
<li>and rejoice.</li>
</ul>

<p>The practice of joy for good qualities of others is one of the most powerful spiritual practices, especially helpful in your case. We can practice it even in dreams!</p>
