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
And if I had not a letter to write myself, I might sit by you and admire the evenness of your writing, as another young lady once did. But I have an aunt too, who must not be longer neglected.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the balance between personal obligations and the appreciation of others' qualities.
In this quote from Jane Austen, the speaker expresses a sense of admiration for another's writing while acknowledging their own responsibilities that prevent them from indulging in this admiration for longer. It illustrates the tension between personal obligations and the enjoyment of companionship and beauty in others, suggesting that while it's enriching to appreciate others, we often have duties that pull us away from such leisurely activities.
Themes
AdmirationWritingObligationsRelationshipsBeauty
In practice
Example use cases
During a writing workshop, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of balancing personal responsibilities with the appreciation of others' talents.
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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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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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