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
It will, I believe, be everywhere found, that as the clergy are, or are not what they ought to be, so are the rest of the nation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The conduct of the clergy influences the morality of the society around them.
In this quote, Jane Austen suggests that the moral character of the clergy is a reflection of the greater populace. If the clergy uphold high ethical standards and virtues, then the society they serve is likely to follow and embody similar values. Conversely, if the clergy fail in their duties, it may lead to a decline in the moral fabric of the nation, indicating a deep connection between leadership and societal behavior.
Themes
ClergyMoralitySocietyLeadershipInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on ethics in society, this quote can illustrate the impact of leadership on moral behavior.
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.
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