I pay very little regard...to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.
Jane AustenRead
She felt that she could so much more depend upon the sincerity of those who sometimes looked or said a careless or a hasty thing, than of those whose presence of mind never varied, whose tongue never slipped.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Trust is often found in authentic, candid interactions rather than in perfect composure.
In this quote, Jane Austen explores the idea that genuine sincerity is far more trustworthy than a polished facade. She suggests that individuals who occasionally speak or act thoughtlessly often reveal their true selves, making them more relatable and dependable than those who maintain an unwavering composure, which may mask their true feelings or intentions.
Themes
TrustSincerityAuthenticityRelationshipsHonesty
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about trust in friendships, one might quote this to support the idea that authenticity beats perfection.
More from Jane Austen
All quotes →Nobody could catch cold by the sea; nobody wanted appetite by the sea; nobody wanted spirits; nobody wanted strength. Sea air was healing, softening, relaxing - fortifying and bracing - seemingly just as was wanted - sometimes one, sometimes the other. If the sea breeze failed, the seabath was the certain corrective; and where bathing disagreed, the sea air alone was evidently designed by nature for the cure.
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He certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.
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A person who is knowingly bent on bad behavior, gets upset when better behavior is expected of them.
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You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever.
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She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.
Jane AustenRead
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